Why Does My Crown Hurt When I Put Pressure On
Ever had a dental crown that feels fine—until you bite down or sip something hot? If you’re thinking, “Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on it?” you’re not alone. Many people experience discomfort with a dental crown, especially when chewing or applying pressure. But what causes that pain, and what can be done to fix it?
In this post, we’ll walk through the common reasons why a crown might hurt when you apply pressure, how to identify the issue, and what steps you can take to find relief. Let’s dig in!
What Is a Dental Crown, Exactly?
To understand why your crown might be hurting, it helps to know what a crown actually is. A dental crown is like a cap that sits over a tooth. Dentists use it to restore a tooth that’s damaged, weak, cracked, or has had a root canal. It protects the tooth and helps restore its normal shape and function.
Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, metal, resin, or a mix of both (porcelain fused to metal). While they’re strong and built to last, sometimes things go wrong—and that leads to pain when you apply pressure, like while chewing.
So, Why Does My Crown Hurt When I Put Pressure On It?
There isn’t just one reason. In fact, there are a few possible causes. Some are minor and easily fixed, while others might need a dentist’s attention. Let’s check out the most common ones:
- The Crown Is Too High
One of the most common causes of pressure-related crown pain is that the crown sits a little too high on your tooth. When this happens, your bite isn’t aligned properly, and the crown takes more pressure than it should when you chew. Imagine biting down and only one tooth makes strong contact—ouch! This leads to soreness and sometimes jaw pain too.
- Dental Decay Under the Crown
Yes, it’s still possible to get a cavity even with a crown. If bacteria sneak under the edge of the crown, they can munch away at the natural tooth underneath. This decay can make your tooth sensitive or painful to pressure, especially if left untreated.
- Gum Recession
Over time, your gums can recede and expose the edge of the crown or the tooth beneath it. This might not only be sensitive to touch but also hurt when you eat or brush. You may especially notice discomfort when biting into cold or hot foods.
- Infection or Abscess
Pain that keeps you up at night, swelling, or a foul taste in your mouth? It could be an infection under the crown. Sometimes, even after a root canal, bacteria can linger and cause an abscess at the root tip. This often leads to pressure pain and may require retreatment or even crown replacement.
- Cracked or Damaged Crown
Crowns are tough, but they’re not indestructible. If you grind your teeth at night or chew something too hard (like popcorn kernels or ice), your crown could crack. Even a tiny chip can lead to discomfort when pressure is applied.
- Inflamed Ligaments Around the Tooth
Teeth are connected to your jaw by tiny ligament fibers. If your crown is off-kilter, it can inflame these ligaments. You might notice soreness when closing your bite or applying pressure. This feels a lot like bruising, but inside your mouth.
When Should You Worry About Crown Pain?
Not all crown pain is serious, but it’s something you shouldn’t ignore. If your crown hurts just for a day or two after getting it placed, it might simply be your mouth adjusting. However, there are red flags you should watch out for:
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– Shooting pain when biting down
– Constant throbbing or sharp pain
– Swelling around the crown or face
– Fever or signs of infection
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to call your dentist. Letting it sit for too long can lead to more serious issues down the line.
Can You Fix Crown Pain at Home?
The honest answer? Sometimes… but not always. If the pain is mild and started recently, there are a few things you can do at home:
- Switch to a soft diet: Stick with soft foods until you can get it checked out. Avoid hard or chewy items that might make the pain worse.
- Use over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort temporarily.
- Try saltwater rinses: This can soothe sore gums or tissue if irritation is involved.
However, if these methods don’t make a dent in the pain within a few days, or if it gets worse, don’t wait—the source may be something only a professional can fix.
How Your Dentist Can Help
When you visit your dentist about pain in your crown, they’ll likely begin with a physical exam and possibly an X-ray. This helps them figure out what’s going on underneath the crown.
Depending on the cause, here’s how they might treat it:
- Re-shaping the crown: This is common when the crown is sitting too high. It’s a quick fix involving a minor adjustment so your bite aligns better.
- Replacing the crown: If it’s damaged or the fit isn’t right, your dentist might recommend a new, better-fitting crown.
- Filling a cavity: If there’s decay under the crown edge, they might need to remove the crown, clean the tooth, fill the cavity, and place a new crown.
- Retreating a root canal: If there’s a lingering infection, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for retreatment or surgical correction.
How to Prevent Crown Pain in the Future
Once you understand the answer to “Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on”, prevention becomes your next best step. Crowns shouldn’t normally cause ongoing pain. Here’s how you can reduce the chances of it happening again:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss around the crown carefully to prevent decay from forming beneath it.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups help catch small issues before they become painful ones.
- Watch what you chew: Avoid hard foods that can damage the crown.
- Use a night guard: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a night guard can protect your crown and other teeth.
A Personal Example: My Achy Crown
Let me share a quick story. A friend of mine recently had a crown placed on one of her molars. It felt fine at first, but a few days later, she felt pain every time she bit into something—even soft bread. She thought maybe it was just her adjusting to the new crown, but after a week of chewing on the other side of her mouth, she saw her dentist.
Turns out, the crown was just a little too high. Her bite wasn’t lined up right, which strained the ligament around the tooth. A quick adjustment later? No more pain. Simple fixes like this are more common than most people think!
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Mouth
If you’ve been wondering, “Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on?” remember that your body is trying to tell you something. While pain might be due to a small issue like an uneven bite, it can also point to deeper concerns like decay or infection.
The most important thing? Don’t ignore it. Even if you’re scared of the dentist (we get it!), diagnosing the problem early can save you time, money, and a lot of discomfort.
So the next time your crown feels off when you chew on a sandwich or sip your morning coffee, you know what to look out for—and when to make that dental appointment.