Dental crowns restore strength and beauty to a tooth following trauma or restorative treatment. The porcelain restorations can even replace an entire tooth when used with a dental crown.

Once you are fitted with a dental crown at our Rancho Cucamonga, CA, dental practice, you may experience temporary sensitivity. To help our patients understand how to reduce sensitivity after dental crown placement, we offer this overview.

What Causes Sensitivity after Dental Crown Placement?

Sensitivity after dental crown placement results from the removal of natural tooth structure before the crown is placed at our Rancho Cucamonga dental practice. Some of that removal may be due to the restorative treatment. To gain access to a root canal infection, for example, Dr. Sharon Mateja will need to drill into the top of the tooth.

Once the restorative treatment is completed, further natural tooth structure will need to be removed so that the crown can fit snugly over your natural tooth. This alteration in the shape of your tooth can leave your tooth feeling more sensitive or “off” for a few days following dental crown placement.

Most patients experience a significant reduction in sensitivity over the course of the first few days and complete or nearly complete cessation by the end of the first week.

What Types of Sensitivity Might I Experience After Dental Crown Placement?

No two patients are exactly alike, so your individual experience with sensitivity may differ from other patients. The two most common types of sensitivity are related to pressure and temperature. The layer beneath your enamel is called dentin, and it is more sensitive than enamel. It may take a few days for the nerves in the dentin to adapt to the removal of enamel.

During this time, your treated tooth may feel more sensitive when you bite down. Hot or cold food or drinks may cause momentary discomfort. You can reduce your risk of sensitivity by avoiding hard or crunchy foods and hot or cold food and drinks for a few days. Over that period of time, your treated tooth will naturally adjust to your porcelain cap.

Patients can also use over-the-counter pain medications to reduce sensitivity while their tooth adjusts. A member of our dental team will be glad to recommend effective pain medications.

Other Types of Sensitivity

If your sensitivity does not subside in the days and weeks following dental crown placement, it is possible that your crown may need to be adjusted. If you are still experiencing any type of sensitivity related to your crown after a week or two, call our office and let someone know. You may need to visit our office so your bite can be analyzed. Less common causes of sensitivity include allergic reactions and infection.

Don’t Let Concerns about Tooth Sensitivity Stand Between Your and Oral Health

Sensitivity after dental crown placement is a minor and temporary side effect. Teeth are good at adapting. The vast majority of patients find that their sensitivity is temporary and quite tolerable. To schedule your dental crown placement, please contact our office online or call (909) 989-5959.