Dental crowns in Orlando, FL, are a second chance for your tooth. Whether you had a big cavity that could not be filled with a simple composite filling or you received a root canal treatment, crowns strengthen your tooth, protect it from further decay, and extend its lifespan so you can continue eating all your favorite foods with ease.
Sadly, even the strongest crown can suffer damage over time, and that usually manifests in the form of pain or discomfort. Several factors could be causing your discomfort and understanding them is key to seeking appropriate treatment.
What Does Tooth Pain Under a Crown Mean?
Tooth pain under a crown can occur for a variety of reasons. However, if the discomfort persists, it could be caused by one of the following.
1. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the main causes of tooth pain beneath a crown. Although a crown cannot be affected by decay, the tooth beneath it is vulnerable and can lead to excruciating discomfort.
The cause for underlying decay could be that the bacteria weren’t completely removed the first time around or that the precise fit of the crown eroded over time, allowing bacteria to sneak under the edges of the crown, leading to the formation of cavities.
If the pain worsens when you bite down on something, it is most likely the result of a cavity.
2. Fractured or Broken Crown
When a dental crown breaks, the tooth gets exposed to external stimuli, leading to pain. Although uncommon, trauma, biting on hard objects, or even normal wear and tear over time can cause a crown to break.
3. Tooth Sensitivity
Many people have sensitive teeth, and sometimes, having a crown makes them worse. This is because the enamel layer of the tooth needs to be slightly reduced to make room for the crown.
A sensitive tooth may experience pain in response to anything you eat or drink afterward.
4. Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums, but it will also impact your teeth over time.
When plaque accumulates on the gum line, it releases acids that cause the gums to recede over time. This exposes the sensitive roots of the tooth under the crown, which can trigger extreme tooth pain under a dental crown.
5. Poorly Fitted Crown
Improperly fitted crowns may result in tooth sensitivity and severe pain. A loosely fitted crown may feel wiggly and cause intermittent, sporadic toothaches.
6. Bruxism
When you grind or clench your teeth all the time, you can develop bruxism, an oral disorder. If you have bruxism, your teeth's crowns likely became loose due to grinding, which causes pain.
Act Promptly—And Protect Your Dental Crowns in Orlando, FL, for Years to Come
As you can see, various factors can lead to discomfort around your dental crown, some more serious than others. Discomfort doesn’t always mean that the underlying tooth is damaged: it could result from tooth bruxism or indicate that your crown’s fit is no longer precise.
Whatever the case, your dentist at Winter Park Dental will be able to diagnose and treat the issue, so you can go back to enjoying all your favorite foods easily. Contact us today, and ensure your crown stays healthy for several years!