You’ve just gotten new dental crowns & bridges because you’ve been suffering from tooth decay that a simple filling couldn’t fix. It’s possible for a tooth that initially didn’t hurt to suddenly cause you pain after you get a crown for several reasons. When you visit your dentist because of your searing tooth pain, they will install a crown over your affected tooth to help protect it and reduce your pain. While this can help, your discomfort may not disappear right away. Fortunately for you, there are some at-home remedies that can make your day-to-day life a little more bearable. Read on to find out more.
Consider Potential Causes for Pain
While you’re waiting for your appointment with your dentist to determine what’s exactly causing your oral pain, consider potential reasons in order to determine what pain-relieving methods you can try at home. There are a few primary reasons your new dental crown could be causing you pain:
- Irritation after the procedure
- A root canal wasn’t done, and the root of your tooth has started to become affected
- Because it’s not fitted properly and chewing presses down further than it used to
- Grinding at night
Some problems from the above list such as nightly grinding can be solved by visiting your dentist for a custom nightguard. It also isn’t uncommon to experience sensitivity to hot and cold after the procedure. While at-home remedies are not long-term solutions to frequent pain, they can make it a little easier while you’re waiting to see your dental professional.
At-Home Remedies to Ease Your Pain
Pain after your procedure can be inconvenient and affect your work and ability to perform basic functions like eating. Help tackle your discomfort by trying some of these at-home remedies:
- General pain may be able to be relieved by simply using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as instructed on the label.
- You can combat sensitivity by using special toothpaste or avoiding certain foods and beverages with extreme temperatures.
- Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe your tooth pain. Mix a tablespoon of salt in hot or warm water until it dissolves and spit until it’s gone. You can also add bacteria-killing products like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and peppermint tea.
- If you’re experiencing inflammation and irritation in the affected area, you can apply a cotton ball soaked with apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil. Additionally, chewing and applying anti-inflammatory foods like cucumber to the area can also help with this.
Dealing with Pain That Surfaces Later
If your pain isn’t surfacing until years later, it may be caused by further decay. If this is the case, it’s vital to visit your dentist immediately. Causes could be due to poor oral hygiene or putting excessive stress on it. While crowns are strong, they can still crack and break, allowing bacteria and plaque to sneak in and cause further damage.
After trying these remedies and experiencing no relief, it’s time for you to check in with your dentist so they can either refit the crown or check for other problems. Only a professional can provide a diagnosis and long-term treatment to relieve your pain. There’s no need to worry if you’re experiencing some discomfort or sensitivity with your new crown. Try some of these at-home remedies, and if they don’t work, simply call up your trusted dentist in Inwood!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Lawton has over two decades of dentistry experience. He enjoys creating trusting and meaningful connections with his patients so he can best understand what they need. He is passionate about his profession and stays up to date with new treatments and technological advancements in his field by continuing his education. For any questions about tooth pain or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or contact 281-447-2186.