Why is my crown sensitive all of a sudden?

Why is my crown suddenly sensitive?

Healthline's article on crown pain lists the causes, though it is written about temporary crowns and its reasons apply to crowned teeth in general. A crown that sits too high can cause pain and pressure when you bite, and adjusting your jaw to compensate can cause further pain. A crack beneath the crown can expose the tooth's inner pulp, often causing pain when you chew or release your bite. Grinding, often during sleep, can strain the crown. Infection is less common but possible after a root canal, with pain, pus, swelling, tenderness, a bad taste and bad breath. Decay can start where food and bacteria enter the gap between the crown and the gumline, and gum irritation is common for the first few days and often fades.

Why is my crown sensitive to cold?

Healthline's article does not specifically address cold sensitivity, and neither does Cleveland Clinic's crown page. Cleveland Clinic does say that a crown that does not fit well can trap bacteria and lead to decay, and that a dentist should check any new discoloration near the gumline. Cold sensitivity can be a sign of one of the causes above, so do not assume it will settle by itself. Tell your dentist when it started, whether it lingers, and whether it happens with biting.

What can you do in the meantime?

Healthline says to keep the area clean by brushing and flossing carefully, and mentions over-the-counter pain relievers, numbing gels, salt water rinses, an ice pack wrapped in a towel and a nighttime mouthguard if you grind your teeth. It also says to avoid overly chewy or sticky foods to reduce the chance of loosening a crown. These are comfort measures, not a fix; they do not treat a high bite, a crack or an infection, so book an appointment.

How is it treated?

Healthline says a root canal may be needed to save a tooth with a deep crack before a permanent crown is placed, another procedure may be needed to treat an infection or damage beneath the crown, and your dentist may advise reinserting or replacing a crown that has fallen out. A high bite is usually something the dentist can adjust, which is general knowledge and not stated in the sources. Our guides on root canals and tooth infections explain these treatments.

Why does my crown keep falling off?

The sources we read do not explain repeated loosening in detail. Cleveland Clinic says to call your dentist if a crown is loose, cracked or chipped, and that crowns can break over time. Healthline says if a crown falls out, retrieve it if possible, call your dentist and avoid chewing on it, and that if your dentist approves, you can clean it with toothpaste and reattach it with dental glue, or with toothpaste if you have no glue. Avoiding chewy or sticky foods reduces the chance of loosening. Our guide on temporary crowns falling out covers that case.

Why do people need crowns?

The ADA lists supporting a tooth with a large filling when too little tooth remains, anchoring bridges, protecting a weak tooth from breaking, repairing a broken tooth and covering a dental implant. Cleveland Clinic says crowns can cover a severely stained or discolored tooth. Both describe a crown as a cover that restores a tooth's shape, size and strength. Our guide on whether you need a crown after a root canal covers one common reason.

Can dental crowns cause cancer?

The sources we read do not address this. Cleveland Clinic's crown page lists metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, porcelain, zirconia and resin crowns and says metal allergies are a reason to choose all-ceramic crowns, but it does not discuss cancer. If you are worried about the materials in your mouth, ask your dentist what your crown is made of and whether any concern applies to you.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is my bite too high on this crown?
• Could there be decay or a crack under it, and do I need an X-ray?
• Has the nerve been affected, and would a root canal be needed?
• Should I wear a night guard to protect it?
• What is the crown made of, and how long should it last?

Frequently asked questions