What to Do About Tooth Pain Under the Crown That Comes and Goes?

Causes of Tooth Pain Under the Crown

Here are some common reasons why you might feel tooth pain under a crown that comes and goes:

• Tooth Decay Under the Crown: Bacteria can sneak under the crown and cause decay in the tooth underneath. This can lead to pain that comes and goes, especially if the decay reaches the nerve.
• Infection: If the crown doesn’t seal properly, bacteria can get in and cause an infection. This kind of pain may get worse when you bite down and can come and go as the infection flares up.
• Cracked or Broken Crown: If the crown is chipped or cracked, it can let in hot, cold, or pressure, causing pain that comes and goes.
• Tooth Sensitivity: After getting a crown, the tooth may be sensitive because the enamel was removed or the nerve got irritated. You might feel pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet.
• Gum Problems: Gum disease or receding gums can expose parts of the tooth or root, causing pain around the crown that may come and go.
• Loose or Poorly Fitted Crown: If the crown doesn’t fit well or gets loose, it can cause pressure or let in bacteria, leading to occasional pain or sensitivity.
• Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Grinding or clenching your teeth can loosen the crown or put pressure on it, causing pain that comes and goes, especially at night.
• Nerve Issues or Root Canal Needed: If the nerve inside the tooth wasn’t treated properly or becomes inflamed later, it can cause sharp or throbbing pain that doesn’t stay constant.

Treatments for Tooth Pain Under a Crown

Dental treatments for pain under a crown depend on what’s causing the problem. Therefore, to find the exact cause, dentists follow a step-by-step process. They start by asking about your symptoms, when the pain happens, what triggers it (like hot, cold, or biting), and any history of dental work, grinding, or injury. Then, they examine the crown and gums for signs of damage, decay, swelling, or poor fit. They may tap on the tooth or press around it to check for tenderness, which could point to infection. Sensitivity tests with hot, cold, or electric tools help check if the nerve is inflamed or damaged. X-rays are used to see hidden problems like decay, bone loss, abscesses, or issues with past root canals. The dentist may also check your bite to see if the crown is too high or off-center. If needed, the crown may be removed to closely inspect the tooth underneath. Some possible treatments include:

• Adjusting or Replacing the Crown: If the crown is too high, loose, cracked, or doesn’t fit right, the dentist may adjust your bite or replace the crown to ease pressure and stop the pain.
• Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth’s nerve is infected or inflamed, a root canal is done to remove the damaged tissue and get rid of the pain.
• Fixing Tooth Decay: If there’s decay under the crown, the dentist will clean out the decayed part and fix the tooth. You may need a new crown afterward.
• Antibiotics: If there’s an infection in the tooth or gums, your dentist may give you antibiotics to help control it, either before or along with other treatments.
• Gum Disease Treatment: If the pain is linked to gum problems, you may need gum treatment to reduce swelling and improve gum health.
• Repeat Root Canal Treatment: If an old root canal didn’t fully work, your dentist might remove the crown, redo the root canal, and then place a new crown.

Wrapping Up

If you’re feeling pain under a crown that comes and goes, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. The cause might be something simple, like needing a small adjustment, or it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a crack or an infection.

Visit our dental professionals at Lifeline Dental Emergency and Family Care for any issues with your dental crown. Call us at (281) 409-3777 to book an appointment.