What are the signs of an abscessed tooth after getting a crown. How can you identify the symptoms of a tooth infection post-crown procedure. What are effective methods for relieving pain from an abscessed tooth with a crown.

Understanding Tooth Crown Pain: Causes and Symptoms

Dental crowns are designed to protect damaged teeth, but they can sometimes lead to pain and discomfort. While tooth crown pain is typically manageable, it’s crucial to understand its potential causes and symptoms to ensure proper treatment.

Common Causes of Tooth Crown Pain

• Infection
• Dry socket
• Tooth decay
• Fractures
• Sore gums
• Improper crown preparation or placement

Infection is a significant concern, especially for patients who haven’t undergone a root canal prior to crown placement. When a crown is applied incorrectly or is the wrong size, it can exert pressure on the tooth’s nerve and roots, potentially leading to infection.

Can old fillings contribute to crown-related infections. Yes, if a crown is placed over an old filling, bacteria from the filling may leak into the nerve, causing pain and discomfort, particularly after root canal or crown treatments.

Identifying an Infected Tooth Crown: Key Indicators

While only a dentist can definitively confirm whether your crown is infected, there are several signs and symptoms to watch for:

• Jaw pain and throbbing
• Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks
• Nerve pain in the affected tooth or surrounding teeth

Is persistent pain a sign of infection. Yes, if tooth crown pain lasts for more than two weeks with no improvement, it’s strongly advised to seek dental intervention. A dental professional can identify the root cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Tooth Crown Discomfort

While identifying the underlying cause of tooth crown pain is essential, there are several temporary relief options you can try:

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
2. Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
3. Anti-inflammatory medication (as directed by a healthcare professional)
4. Gently compressing a cold flannel or tea towel to the affected area
5. Oil pulling or flossing

How effective is saltwater rinsing for tooth pain relief. Saltwater rinses can be quite effective in reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief. The salt helps draw out excess fluid from the gums, reducing swelling and providing a soothing effect.

The Role of Proper Crown Placement in Preventing Complications

Improper crown preparation or placement can lead to various issues, including discomfort and potential infection. An ill-fitting crown may allow bacteria to enter, eventually leading to infection. Additionally, patients may experience difficulty eating and drinking, especially with hot and cold temperatures.

How can you tell if your crown doesn’t fit properly. Some signs of an ill-fitting crown include:

• Persistent discomfort or pain
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to temperature changes
• Visible gaps between the crown and adjacent teeth

If you suspect your crown doesn’t fit correctly, it’s essential to consult your dentist for an evaluation and potential adjustment or replacement.

Temporary Crowns: Understanding Normal Discomfort vs. Problematic Pain

It’s not uncommon for temporary dental crowns to cause some discomfort shortly after the procedure. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is typical, especially during the first week. However, it’s important to distinguish between normal post-procedure discomfort and problematic pain.

How long should pain from a temporary crown last. Pain should not persist for more than two weeks and should improve daily. If discomfort continues or worsens after this period, it may indicate issues such as:

• A loose crown
• Poor fit
• Incorrect sizing

In such cases, returning to your dentist for a follow-up appointment is crucial to address these concerns and prevent potential complications.

Long-term Pain After Crown Placement: When to Seek Professional Help

While some discomfort is expected after a crown procedure, persistent pain is a cause for concern. If pain continues for more than two weeks or worsens over time, it’s essential to consult your dentist.

What could cause prolonged pain after crown placement. Several factors may contribute to ongoing discomfort:

• Improper bonding of the crown to the tooth
• Infection due to improper placement
• Nerve damage
• Underlying decay or damage not addressed during the initial procedure

A follow-up appointment allows your dentist to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include adjusting the crown, treating an infection, or addressing other underlying issues.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Infection in Crowned Teeth

While crowns protect damaged teeth, they don’t make them immune to decay or infection. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining the health of crowned teeth and preventing complications.

How can you effectively care for a crowned tooth. Follow these tips to maintain optimal oral health:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily, paying extra attention to the area around the crown
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown
• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings

By following these practices, you can help ensure the longevity of your crown and maintain overall oral health.

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent Crown-Related Issues

In cases where conservative treatments fail to resolve crown-related pain or complications, more advanced interventions may be necessary. These can include:

• Root canal therapy
• Crown replacement
• Extraction (in severe cases)

When is root canal therapy necessary for a crowned tooth. Root canal therapy may be required if:

• The tooth’s nerve becomes infected or damaged
• Decay has progressed beneath the crown and reached the pulp
• Trauma has caused irreversible damage to the tooth’s internal structures

Your dentist will assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the specific circumstances of your case.

In conclusion, while tooth crowns are generally effective in protecting damaged teeth, they can sometimes lead to complications such as pain, infection, or decay. Understanding the signs and symptoms of these issues, as well as knowing when to seek professional help, is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious problems. By practicing good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and promptly addressing any concerns, you can help ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental crowns.

Signs, Symptoms & How to Relieve Pain

While tooth crowns are designed to protect a damaged tooth, they can still cause pain and become infected, just like normal teeth. 

However, while tooth crown pain is uncomfortable, it is usually simple to alleviate, either through medication or follow-up treatment from your dentist.

What causes tooth crown pain?

Infection – patients who have dental crown procedures that have also not previously undergone a root canal, means that their tooth still has roots. If a crown is applied incorrectly or is the wrong size, it can put pressure on the nerve and roots of the tooth, which can lead to infection. If a crown is placed over an old filling, this pressure may also result in infection, as the bacteria from the old filling may leak into the nerve, causing pain and discomfort, especially after root canal or crown treatments. 

Dry socket – dry socket can occur when an adult tooth is moved and a blood clot forms at the extraction site. This can be extremely painful and may require dental intervention to ensure the site is kept clean and free from bacteria. To learn more about why you should seek immediate dental intervention if you’re suffering from a dry socket after a root canal, read our all you need to know article on dry sockets.

Tooth decay – tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for any tooth-related pain. Decay can be difficult to spot, especially in the back teeth, as not only is it hard to see, but the decay may be located at the border of the tooth and crown. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can affect your tooth roots, which may leave you requiring a root canal. 

Fractures – tooth crowns that have experienced an accident, injury or trauma may be at risk of small breaks and hairline fractures. These may not be visible at first but over time, bacteria will enter your mouth and seep into the tiny fissures, which may lead to an infection. Cracked teeth will not heal by themselves, you’ll need to visit your dentist to have a filling.  

Sore gums – it’s not uncommon for you to experience gum pain after a tooth crown procedure, but this pain should last no longer than two weeks and be subsiding within that time frame. If pain persists, seek the advice of your dentist.

Improper crown preparation or placement – if your crown has been incorrectly placed or is the wrong size, it will naturally feel uncomfortable. Ill-fitting crowns allow bacteria to enter, which could eventually lead to infection. Additionally, you may have difficulty eating and drinking foods, especially at hot and cold temperatures. 

Four ways to help relieve tooth crown pain

Until the cause of your tooth pain is identified, there are temporary pain relief options that may work. For almost all tooth pain problems, OTC (over the counter) pain medication will help to numb the pain temporarily. 

Other solutions may include:

• Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
• Anti-inflammatory medication (as directed by a healthcare professional)
• Gently compressing a cold flannel or tea towel to the affected area
• Oil pulling or flossing (the cause of your tooth pain may be food lodged in the affected tooth)

How do I know my tooth crown is infected?

Only your dentist will be able to confirm whether or not your crown is infected, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Jaw pain and throbbing
• Sensitivity to cold foods and drinks
• Nerve pain in affected tooth or teeth

If tooth crown pain persists, visit our clinic

If you have recently undergone treatment or you’re suffering from tooth crown pain for over two weeks with no sign of improvement, it’s strongly advised you seek dental intervention. Our team at Hove Dental Clinic will be able to identify the root of the problem and provide sound, expert advice to ensure that the appropriate course of treatment is applied. 

If you are in need of a new tooth crown, we are also able to provide this service.

Book your appointment today and live without discomfort 

FAQs

Should my temporary dental crown hurt?

It’s not uncommon for your temporary tooth crown to hurt soon after your procedure. It may be sensitive to hot and cold templates, so be sure to avoid this when eating and drinking, especially for the first week.

Again, however, pain should not last more than two weeks and should b getting better with every day. Temporary crowns that continue to be painful may be loose, poorly fitted or the wrong size for the tooth they’re designed to protect.

How long does a tooth hurt after a crown?

If pain continues for more than two weeks, you should return to your dentist for a follow-up appointment. It may be that the crown has not bonded properly to your tooth, or has become infected due to improper placement. Either way, you should seek the attention of your dentist if pain persists or gets worse after two weeks.

Why does my tooth crown hurt?

There could be a number of reasons why your tooth crown hurts. If you have recently suffered an accident or injury to your mouth, jaw or face, your teeth may have been damaged in the process. When your teeth become cracked, the crown becomes unstable due to the broken foundation. This is one reason why your crown may hurt.

If you have recently undergone a crown replacement and it hurts for up to a week after treatment, your crown may have been placed incorrectly or has not bonded properly to your tooth. 

Additionally, those who suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) may find that this pressure is damaging your crown and therefore the roots of your tooth. If this is the case, you may find that wearing a mouthguard will help ease the pain.  

How do I know if my tooth crown is infected?

Again, there are a number of reasons why your crown may be infected. Cavities, fractures and gum recession are common infection signs. Common signs of infection include jaw pain, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, root and nerve pain and pain that extends into your head and neck. 

Pain that does not get better within two weeks should be inspected by your dentist to ensure the infection does not worsen. 

What Happens If Bacteria Get Under a Dental Crown?

• Restorative Dentistry

Dental crowns help restore the strength, bite functionality and appearance of a cracked or damaged tooth. Commonly made from porcelain, crowns get fitted and placed over your tooth and cemented into place.

Your dentist may recommend a traditional or same-day crown if you have a cavity that’s too large for a filling, to complete a root canal or preserve a cracked or damaged tooth. In select cases, a crown may help reduce certain cosmetic issues, such as visible discoloration or an abnormally shaped tooth.

Yet one myth about dental restorations persists: Crowns will not decay or develop cavities. While the restoration may not succumb to decay, bacteria can still get underneath to start this process. Neglecting dental hygiene or a damaged crown increase this risk.

How Bacteria Gets Underneath a Crown

After a crown has been placed over your tooth, you’re advised to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. Not following these recommendations increases the risk bacteria will start to build up in your mouth, including underneath and inside a crown.

Bacteria go after what’s left of a tooth by converting sugars into acid, which eats through the enamel and results in rot and a cavity or infection underneath the crown. Saliva also cannot reach below the crown, so this pattern continues without resistance or interruption.

Other factors that can cause bacteria to get underneath a crown include:

• Regularly consuming sugary foods and drinks
• Trauma to the crown or the tooth underneath, which can occur from chewing on hard objects or not wearing a mouthguard
• A gum infection occurring below the tooth with a crown

Signs of Tooth Decay or Infection Below a Crown

Pain around the tooth with a crown may indicate the presence of more decay or an infection. The tooth structure underneath could be experiencing excessive decay in the form of a cavity or the rot and infection may have started to spread to the pulp and nerves.

The pain may also be related to a damaged or misaligned crown placing pressure on or exposing the pulp and nerves. Other signs include:

• Redness and tenderness around the crown
• Swollen or sore gums surrounding the crown
• A constant sensation of warmth on one side of your mouth
• Yellow, clear or greenish discharge near the crown
• Bad breath
• Running a fever
• Swollen neck glands

Ignoring these signs could result in serious complications:

• Decay can become an infection that spreads into the tooth and throughout your mouth, possibly even reaching the jawbone
• An abscess may develop near the crown
• The tooth underneath the crown may need to be extracted

Treatment for an Infection

If you notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist to examine the crown and source of pain.

Treatment for decay or infection below a crown may entail:

• Removing the existing crown
• Addressing the decay by filling or extracting the remainder of the tooth
• Creating a new crown to accommodate the filling and what remains of the tooth
• Recommending an implant or other artificial tooth be added in place

Caring for Your Dental Crown

After you’ve been given a permanent crown, you’ll be advised to:

• Avoid certain sugary, hard and acidic foods for a period of time
• Avoid habits like chewing on pens and ice cubes that could damage the new crown
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
• Floss your teeth at least once a day, including around the crown
• Schedule regular dental cleanings, where your dentist will inspect your crown
• Notify your dentist if the crown cracks or you see a black line at its base

To determine if you’re a candidate for traditional crowns or same-day crowns, contact our Shelton office today.

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Tooth abscess – what is it, why is it dangerous, how to treat an abscess

Content:

1. What is a tooth abscess

2. Symptoms of inflammation

3. Complications due to inflammation

4. Causes of inflammation of the teeth

5. Types of dental abscess

6. Stages of treatment of an abscess

7. Prevention of inflammatory processes

The infection causes an inflammatory process in soft and hard tissues. In the absence of adequate treatment and under the influence of high temperature (especially among lovers of hot drinks or during summer heat), a tooth abscess is likely. To avoid complications, it is important to consult a doctor on time.

What is an abscess

Abscess in dentistry – acute inflammation in the area of ​​the root of the tooth, followed by suppuration, accompanied by severe throbbing pain.

It is dangerous not only for the affected tooth, but also for the body as a whole. It is possible that the abscess bursts, the infection enters the bloodstream and sepsis begins.

Symptoms of tooth abscess

The inflammatory process in the tissues of the tooth and gums proceeds in stages, accompanied by various symptoms:

• At the beginning of development, there is discomfort, slight swelling, bleeding of the gums during brushing is possible, soreness is sensitive when pressed.
• In the later stages, swelling increases, there is a reaction to hot and cold food. Annoying prolonged pain, there is an unpleasant odor. In addition to local changes, an abscess is accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes in the neck, an increase in body temperature, and general malaise.

A bitter aftertaste is noticeable in the mouth, a change in the shade of the tooth body is possible. It is important to remember: the symptoms of a gum abscess can manifest themselves in different ways – everyone has their own threshold of pain sensitivity, perceives signals subjectively. Therefore, you should not wait for acute conditions, a reasonable step is to visit a dental clinic at the first incomprehensible sensations.

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What complications can there be

Even if the pain has dulled, the symptoms have become less pronounced, you should not postpone a visit to the dentist. Such a situation may be a signal indicating the death of the root and the further spread of the infection to the organs of the head or neck.

The area cannot be warmed up. This approach will bring short-term relief, but will accelerate the formation of the fistulous tract and stimulate the release of pus.

Possible serious complications: inflammation of the brain, pneumonia. There is a risk of sepsis, development of osteomyelitis, damage to the sinuses or meninges.

Causes of inflammation of the teeth

The main causes of abscess of the gums of the tooth, infection of the pulp:

• Advanced caries with damage to the root apex. Suppuration develops against the background of periodontitis.
• Untreated gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). They often develop as post-traumatic complications: pathogenic microflora accumulates in periodontal pockets.
• Weakening of immunity after past illnesses (flu, tonsillitis, others).
• Iatrogenic factors – bacteria got after the use of non-sterile instruments during treatment, injections, incorrect tooth extraction.

The development of the inflammatory process may be preceded by damage to the oral mucosa, the formation of boils.

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signs, causes, methods of treatment and prevention

A tooth abscess is a serious infection. Primary localization is usually in the root area, but if the spread of the infection is not stopped, it affects neighboring tissues. A serious consequence of an abscess can be damage to the bones of the jaw. Complications of an abscess can seriously harm your overall health. In severe cases, it is life-threatening.

When to See a Doctor

Since an abscess is an infectious disease, it has pronounced symptoms. You need to go to a specialist as soon as possible. Early diagnosed infections are easier to treat. Evidence of the spread of infection can be:

• Whitish or reddish swelling on the gums.
• Spread of edema from the gums to the soft tissues of the face.
• Formation at the site of swelling of an ulcer with purulent contents.
• Severe throbbing pain while brushing teeth, eating.
• The appearance of bad breath, which cannot be eliminated by the usual means of daily hygiene.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.

If there is no treatment and the infection continues to spread, general symptoms are added. The body temperature rises, the patient may complain of sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, depression.

If even some of these symptoms appear, come to the ARDC clinic for a dental consultation. The doctor will diagnose and clarify the diagnosis.

Why does a tooth abscess develop?

The main cause of an abscess is bacteria. They are always present in the oral cavity, but in order for an infectious process to develop, provoking factors are needed. To provoke the development of an abscess can:

• Violation of daily hygiene rules. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the favorable environment of plaque. When there are a lot of them, a pathological process develops.
• Dental procedures. During the extraction of teeth, an antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity is performed. When this treatment is insufficient or the procedure was carried out in violation of the rules of antisepsis, pathogenic bacteria can penetrate into the tissues.

The risk of developing a tooth abscess increases if the patient has a weakened immune system, there are systemic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer. Chronic tonsillitis often provokes the development of a purulent process. This is due to the fact that with chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, there is a focus of infection in the body. It may spread to other areas.

Patients with dental problems are also at risk:

• Caries.
• Mechanical damage to enamel (chips, cracks).
• Periodontal disease.
• Gingivitis.

Types of abscess

The type of abscess is determined by the place of its localization. On this basis, periodontal and periapical types are distinguished. Both can be acute or chronic.

• Periodontal abscess. It develops in the space between the gum and the crown of the tooth. In the acute form, there are pronounced symptoms – an abscess on the gums, severe pain when closing the teeth. In the chronic form, such vivid symptoms are not observed. In chronic periodontal abscess of the tooth, a fistula develops at the site of purulent inflammation.
• Periapical abscess. The focus of infection is located inside the tooth. Often this type of disease develops as a complication of periodontal disease. The process proceeds as follows. Pus begins to accumulate at the top of the root of the tooth. If the suppuration is deep and the pus cannot come out, it continues to spread inside the gums, under the mucous membranes. Gradually, the bone is affected and begins to collapse.

After tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a dental operation during which the gum is injured. If the rules of antisepsis have been violated or the patient does not provide the necessary postoperative care, the infection can enter the wound. Bacteria multiply rapidly. Suppuration develops. If left untreated, the abscess affects the soft tissues.

Suppuration as a result of medical error after removal is rare. At the ARDC clinic, dentists use modern equipment, consumables, and medicines. You can be sure of the quality of the procedure and compliance with the treatment protocol.

Improper postoperative care is a more common cause of abscess after removal. After the operation, the dentist will definitely give recommendations on how to care for the wound. Careful observance of all these rules will reduce the risk of suppuration at the site of the extracted tooth.

Diagnostics

For the initial diagnosis of an abscess, a visual examination of the patient’s oral cavity is sufficient. The doctor checks:

• Strength of hard tissues.
• Mobility of the dental crown.
• The patient has dental diseases.

An initial examination is needed to determine the presence of suppuration in the gum, its location and size. Next, an x-ray is ordered. It gives accurate data about the abscess, its depth, extent.

Prevention and treatment

Abscess prevention is simple. It is enough to follow the rules of daily oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.

If an abscess still forms, a doctor should treat it. Even if the abscess opened on its own. Usually, after the release of pus, the pain disappears, and the person considers the problem solved.