A dental crown is a cap made to fix a broken tooth so you can eat without worry. However, it can be very annoying if you feel a sharp pain every time you bite down.
If you just got dental crowns in SE Calgary, it is normal for the tooth to be a little sore at first. But if the pain happens only when you chew, there is usually a reason that needs a quick fix.
Understanding why your new tooth is acting up is the first step to eating your favourite foods again without any trouble.
Is Your Bite Hitting Too Hard?
The most common reason for pain is that the new cap is sitting a tiny bit too high. When you have dental crown bite pain, even a small bump can make your whole jaw feel off.
- High Spots: If the crown is too tall, it hits the bottom teeth first. This puts too much pressure on the tooth root.
- Bruised Feeling: Constant hitting makes the skin around the tooth root sore and bruised.
- Tired Jaw: Your jaw muscles might feel tired because they are trying to chew around the high spot.
- Quick Fix: A professional can usually sand down the high spot in a few minutes to stop the pain.
Could There Be A Problem Under The Cap?
Sometimes the pain is not about the fit, but about what is happening inside the tooth.
You should look for symptoms of infection under the dental crown, like a bad taste in your mouth or a small bump on your gums.
- New Rot: Germs can sometimes sneak under the edge of the cap and start a new cavity.
- Upset Nerve: Making a tooth ready for a cap can sometimes upset the nerve inside, making it very sensitive.
- Hidden Infection: If the nerve dies, an infection can form at the bottom of the tooth, which hurts when you press on it.
- Cracked Root: A tiny crack in the root that no one saw before can hurt every time you take a bite.
Why Does The Tooth Hurt?
| Cause of Pain | What it Feels Like | What to Do |
| Bite is too High | Sharp pain only when biting | Have it smoothed down at the office |
| Sore Gums | A dull ache or redness | Rinse with warm salt water |
| Upset Nerve | Hurts with hot or cold drinks | Tell your dental team right away |
| Loose Crown | Feels “squishy” or moves | Have it glued back on properly |
When Should You Call For Help?
If the pain does not go away after a few days, you should see a dentist in SE Calgary.
Waiting too long can turn a small problem, like a high bite, into a broken tooth or a big infection. A professional will use special blue paper to see exactly where the tooth is hitting too hard.
They can tell if the tooth needs a quick polish or if there is a deeper problem that needs a different kind of help.
How Long Is It Normal To Feel Sore?
Many people ask how long crown pain should last after the visit. It is very common for a tooth to feel a little “weird” or sensitive to cold for a short time while it heals.
- The First Two Days: Some soreness in the gums is normal because of the dental glue and the work done.
- One Week: Most of the sensitivity should go away as you get used to the new tooth.
- More Than Two Weeks: If it still hurts after 14 days, something is wrong and needs to be checked.
- Sudden Pain: If the tooth was fine for a long time and suddenly starts hurting, it might be a new infection.
Finding An Expert In Your Area
When your tooth hurts, you don’t want to drive far. Looking for a dental clinic near you makes it easy to get a quick check-up. Most offices keep extra time in their day for patients who are in pain.
Getting help early can save you from a lot of stress. It also makes sure the money you spent on your new smile is protected for a long time.
How To Feel Better At Home?
While you wait for your appointment, try chewing on the other side of your mouth to give the sore tooth a break.
Stay away from ice-cold or very hot drinks so the nerves don’t get more upset.
If your gums feel puffy, rinsing with warm salt water three times a day can help the swelling go down. These steps will help you feel better, but remember, they won’t fix the real problem, so make sure you go to your visit.
Getting Back To A Pain-Free Smile
You should be able to eat the foods you love without any pain. A new tooth is supposed to make your life better, not hurt every time you eat.
Our team is here to make sure your bite feels natural and comfortable. We take the time to find out exactly why you are hurting and fix it fast.
At Sorensen Dental Group, we want you to be happy and healthy. We are here to help you get back to enjoying your meals with a smile that feels as good as it looks.
Are you tired of your tooth hurting every time you take a bite? Contact Sorensen Dental Group today to have your crown checked and get back to normal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a loose cap cause pain when I eat?
Yes, if the glue is gone, the cap can rub against the sensitive tooth underneath and let in cold air and germs.
Why does cold water hurt my new tooth?
The material of the cap can send the cold to the nerve quickly, or the gum might be pulled back a little.
Do I always need a root canal if my crown hurts?
No, most of the time the bite is just a little too high and needs to be fixed so the tooth stops hitting too hard.