What Happens if a Tooth with a Crown Begins to Hurt?
Posted on 10/15/2024 by Southern Family Dental Care |
Have you ever had a toothache under a crown? It's a fairly common experience, and while it can be alarming, it doesn't necessarily mean that the crown itself is the culprit. Let's delve into this issue to understand the potential causes and what to do if you find yourself facing this problem.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Their Role
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth, essentially restoring its function and aesthetics. Crowns can be made from various materials like porcelain, metal, or ceramic depending on your individual needs and preferences.
While crowns are incredibly durable, they are not invincible. Over time, several factors can contribute to pain under a crown:
Possible Reasons for Pain
1. Decay or Recurrent Caries: Even though the crown itself doesn't decay, the tooth underneath is still vulnerable if the seal around the crown breaks. This can allow bacteria to infiltrate and cause decay, eventually leading to sensitivity and pain.
2. Loose crown: Sometimes, the cement holding the crown in place weakens, causing the crown to become loose. This creates space between the tooth and crown, allowing food debris to accumulate and irritate the tooth, leading to discomfort.
3. Pulpitis and Abscess: In rare cases, the pulp within the tooth (containing nerves and blood vessels) may become inflamed or infected. This can lead to intense pain and even an abscess (pus collection) at the root of the tooth.
What to Do if You Experience Pain
If you feel pain under a crown, don't delay in consulting your dentist. During the examination, they will:
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Inspect the crown: Assess if the crown is loose, chipped, or broken. |
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Check for signs of decay: They may take X-rays to determine if there is decay under the crown. |
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Test the tooth's vitality: This helps assess the health of the pulp. |
Treatment Options
The treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of the pain:
Decay or Recurrent Caries: If decay is present, the dentist will remove the affected tooth structure, remove the existing crown, and place a new one after treating the decay.
Loose crown: The dentist may re-cement the existing crown or recommend replacing it.
Pulpitis and Abscess: If the pulp is infected, root canal treatment might be necessary to remove the inflamed tissue and clean the infected root canals. The crown may need to be replaced afterward.
Importance of Oral Care
While a crown is a restoration, it doesn't replace the need for meticulous oral care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are crucial to maintaining good oral health and minimizing the possibility of problems under your crown.
Takeaways
Pain under a crown can be bothersome and may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the problem effectively and preserving your natural tooth structure. Remember, consistent oral hygiene habits are essential for preventing such complications and maximizing the longevity of your crowns.
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