Throbbing Jaw Pain After Crown: Unpacking the Causes

Experiencing throbbing jaw pain after a crown can be alarming and uncomfortable. While crowns are designed to restore and protect your teeth, pain afterward is not uncommon but raises immediate concerns. What could be causing this discomfort? Is it a sign of a deeper problem? In this article, we delve into the possible reasons behind the pain following a crown placement and explore when you should seek professional help. Stay tuned to learn more about alleviating and addressing this throbbing jaw after dental crown pain below.

 

 

Common Causes of Pain After Crown Installation

Pain after a dental crown installation can be distressing, but it’s often a normal part of recovery. Understanding the common causes of nerve pain can help manage expectations and determine when a follow-up with the dentist is needed.

Tooth Sensitivity

After receiving a crown, the tooth may become sensitive to temperature changes, such as hot and cold foods or drinks. This sensitivity usually diminishes over a few days as the tooth adjusts to the new crown.

Poor Crown Fit

If a crown isn’t fitted correctly, it can lead to discomfort when chewing or biting. An improper fit can cause uneven pressure on the tooth, leading to pain in the tooth itself, surrounding teeth, and jaw muscles.

Inflammation of the Pulp

Preparing and fitting a crown can irritate the tooth’s pulp, especially if the tooth has undergone significant preparation or had previous dental work. This can lead to inflammation and result in throbbing pain, a condition that might necessitate further dental interventions, such as a root canal.

Gum Tissue Trauma

Preparing a tooth for a crown can traumatize the gums around the tooth, leading to swelling and soreness. This usually resolves independently, but good oral hygiene can help speed the healing process.

Referred Pain

Occasionally, the pain felt after crown installation isn’t directly due to the crown itself but results from increased tension in the jaw or teeth grinding (bruxism). This can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cause pain that feels like it’s originating from the crowned tooth.

Pre-existing Issues

Sometimes, underlying issues such as undetected cracks in the tooth under the crown or unresolved decay can cause pain after a crown is placed. These problems may not become apparent until after the crown is in place, stressing the need for a thorough dental examination and timely follow-up care.

Immediate Relief Measures for Post-Crown Discomfort

Experiencing discomfort after a crown installation is common, but there are several immediate relief measures you can take to alleviate pain and promote healing. Here’s what you can do to relieve tooth crown pain and manage post-crown discomfort effectively:

Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Taking NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label or as your dentist advises.

Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Use the compress for 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between to avoid skin damage.

Salt Water Rinse: Washing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe irritated or sore gums and reduce inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse gently for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat this several times a day, especially after meals.

Soft Diet: Keep following a soft food diet to avoid exerting pressure on the crowned tooth. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soups are gentle on your teeth and gums.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Refrain from chewing on hard, or crunchy foods as they can dislodge the crown or cause further discomfort. Also, avoid chewing gum or biting into tough foods until your dentist confirms the temporary crown is secure.

Maintain Oral Hygiene: Clean the area around the crown by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing carefully around the crown. Avoid applying too much pressure to the tooth crowns and surrounding gums.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Elevating your head with extra pillows can help alleviate swelling and discomfort during the night. This position can also help prevent blood pooling in the affected area, minimizing pain.

Clove Oil Application: Clove oil has natural analgesic properties that relieve temporary pain. Apply a small amount to the sore area with a cotton ball. Be cautious not to use too much, as clove oil can be potent.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold, as they can exacerbate tooth sensitivity and pain. Opt for foods and drinks at a moderate temperature to avoid discomfort.

When to Seek Professional Dental Care

Recognizing when to seek professional dental care after experiencing issues with a few dental crowns is key to maintaining oral health and avoiding complications. Here’s what to look out for:

• Persistent Pain: If the pain does not end within a few days after the crown placement or worsens over time, it’s important to contact your dentist. Persistent pain could be a sign of an issue, such as an improper crown fit or an infection.
• Increased Sensitivity or Discomfort: While some sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures, is normal, if it doesn’t decrease over time or becomes painful, a professional evaluation is needed. This could indicate that the crown is improperly sealed or the tooth is still reacting to the treatment.
• Physical Damage to the Crown: If the crown becomes chipped, cracked, or feels loose, see your dentist immediately. A damaged crown can expose the underlying tooth to decay and infection.
• Signs of Infection: Swelling, redness, or a bad taste in your mouth near the crown site could signal an infection. Fever and swollen lymph nodes are other signs that the infection may spread and require urgent dental care.
• Difficulty Chewing or Biting: If you experience discomfort or pain when chewing or if the crown makes your bite feel uneven, you may need to have the crown adjusted or reevaluated for proper fit.
• Gum Recession Around the Crown: If your gums are receding around the crown, it could expose the root of your tooth or the base of the crown, leading to sensitivity and increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
• Allergic Reaction: Though rare, some individuals might react to the materials used in the crown. Symptoms could include rash, itching, or discomfort in the mouth. If you suspect an allergic reaction, seek advice from your dentist to discuss alternative materials.

Preventative Practices to Avoid Pain After Crown Procedures

You can adopt several preventative practices to minimize the likelihood of experiencing pain after a dental crown procedure. These measures help prevent tooth decay and, reduce discomfort, and make sure you have a long-term success of your dental treatment.

• Choose an Experienced Dentist: Selecting a skilled and experienced dentist is crucial for ensuring your crown fits properly and is correctly placed. This help you mitigate complications that could cause pain.
• Discuss Materials: Before the crown procedure, discuss the materials to be used with your dentist. Some materials may be allergic, so choosing a material that is compatible with your body is important.
• Follow Pre-Procedure Instructions: Adhere to your dentist’s instructions before the crown placement, such as taking prescribed medications. This might include anti-inflammatories or antibiotics to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is essential. Brush thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth to get rid of plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, especially around the crown.
• Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: After placing your crown, avoid chewing hard and sticky foods, such as ice, hard candies, and gum, as these can dislodge or damage it.
• Wear a Night Guard: If you experience bruxism at night, consider getting a custom-made night guard. This can protect the crown and your surrounding teeth from excessive wear and potential damage.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Regular dental office visits are essential for maintaining your crown and overall dental health. These visits give a chance for early condition detection and treatment of problems before they become painful or costly.
• Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: If you experience sensitivity, using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate pain by blocking pain signals from the tooth to the brain.

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing throbbing jaw pain after a crown, it’s crucial not to dismiss this symptom. Understanding the causes of throbbing tooth pain and exploring effective treatments are essential for relief. Consulting with your dentist can help know the underlying issues and provide targeted solutions. Remember, addressing dental pain promptly enhances your comfort and ensures your dental treatment’s long-term success. Don’t let throbbing jaw pain undermine your oral health; seek professional advice with a dentist at Hamondville Dental near Chipping Norton, NSW to maintain your smile’s integrity and functionality.

References

Dental Crown Tooth Pain: Causes and Treatment – Healthline

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-dental-crown-tooth-pain-and-how-to-relieve-it#:~:text=The%20crown%20doesn’t%20fit%20correctly&text=An%20improper%20fit%20might%20also,to%20jaw%20pain%20and%20headaches.

Pain after permanent crown, throbbing, and sensitive tooth hurts

https://www.realself.com/question/atlanta-ga-pain-after-permanent-crown-throbbing-sensitive

Causes And Treatment Tooth Crown Pain

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/tooth-crown-pain-causes-treatment

Recovery After a Dental Crown Procedure

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Recovery-After-a-Dental-Crown-Procedure.aspx

Persistent Pain after Dental Surgery – PMC

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590080/