- A temporary crown serves as a short-term placeholder until a permanent crown is made.
- Pain can develop for the length of time that the temporary crown is in use.
- Discomfort typically lasts a couple of days to a few weeks, until the permanent crown is placed.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and rinses may provide relief but swelling and severe pain require professional attention.
While most people have no difficulty during the placement of a dental crown, it is possible to experience pain with temporary crowns. Some underlying oral conditions can also worsen due to the procedure, which can add to the discomfort.
Pain with temporary crowns should not be ignored as it may signal previously undetected dental issues. Whatever the underlying reasons, thankfully, several effective measures are available to address the pain.
What is a temporary crown?
If you have a cavity or fracture impacting more than half the width of your tooth, your dentist will usually cover it with atemporary crown until a customized, permanent crown can be made in the lab.
This temporary crown provides a functional, protective covering for your tooth until the permanent crown is ready, and protects it better than a large filling would.
In addition to preventing damage and reducing sensitivity, the temporary crown will maintain the space that the restored tooth will occupy, as teeth can drift if they are not in contact with each other. It will also visually preserve the appearance of your smile until the permanent crown is completed.
What causes pain from temporary crowns?
While the use of temporary crowns to maintain space does not cause pain, minor treatment complications or poor dental health could lead to discomfort.
According to Dr. Timothy Stirneman in Lake of the Hills, IL, “Temporary crowns can be uncomfortable when they are too high or too tall. The opposing tooth may collide with the one with the crown, which has the potential to cause pain and inflammation.”
The pain typically involves your tooth dentin, which is the layer of tissue located below the enamel. It contains several tiny, branching canals known as dentinal tubules that may become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures when exposed to the outside air. This may happen if the temporary crown is not sealed properly.
Typically, this nerve response is one of the most common reasons patients experience pain from temporary crowns.
“The nerve in the tooth may also be traumatized,” says Dr. Paul Sussman of Rochester, New York. “In most cases, the tooth that requires a crown is already compromised due to decay or trauma, so pain can be due to an irreversible pulpitis of the nerve of the tooth because the nerve is dying. Discomfort can also be due to soreness at the injection site or even holding the jaw open for an extended period of time.”
According to Dr. Nancy E. Gill of Golden, CO, “Sometimes the crown was done because of a crack, and a crown is the last resort before a root canal. Therefore, it can continue to hurt.”
Why not a temporary crown? These products may help you
A temporary crown will serve as the placeholder for the short term unless you get a permanent crown. You may experience pain while you use a temporary crown. You may feel discomfort until you get a permanent crown. Just listed a few Temporary crown products, which might help you to place temporary crowns.
Mastermedi Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cement Dental Care Kit
Eugenol Cement Dental Care Kit is the tooth filling kit. Eugenol Cement retains high strength, instant fillers of bridges and caps. Self-adhesive, self-cure, and universal shade. You will get 20gm powder, 10 ml liquid, mixing pad, measuring spoon, and leaflet for instructions.
DenTek Temparin One Step Max Hold Cap Filling Treatment
Easy and quick repair loses perfect filling. Secure the crown and Loose caps before you get to the dentist. Temporary relief until you see a dentist. The doctors suggest Temparin max during dental visits to patients.
Ocean Aquarius Temporary Crown Material
Ocean Aquarius Temporary Crown Material will protect the gums from being hurt and prevent the collapse of gum. They will provide beauty to anterior teeth, play a big part in aesthetics. Isolate the damage of chemical and physical stimuli over the pulp helps in protecting the pulp. Get stable teeth by preventing the shifting of prepared teeth. The diagnostic role will provide the information of dental aesthetic, occlusal relationship finalization. In the case of dental restoration provide the chewing function.
Dental Polycarbonate Temporary Crowns Kit
DentQ presents you Dental Polycarbonate Temporary Crowns Kit. Start using your temporary crown to your anterior and posterior teeth. Crowns are pre-fabricated, easy-to-use, and storage containers.
Ways to relieve the pain
There are ways to relieve pain resulting from temporary crowns both at home and in the dentist’s office.
Each crown is bonded with a short-term cement called zinc oxide eugenol, which has a sedative effect on the tooth nerve and helps relieve discomfort.Despite this bond’s sedative properties, Dr. Stirneman notes that patients prone to sensitivity may feel minor pain during eating, which is normal.
“However, if the symptoms are extreme, they should call their dental professional right away,” he cautions.
Home remedies
Dr. Stirneman recommends an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen for mild pain. Dr. Sussman adds that over-the-counter pain relievers and rinsing with a teaspoon of warm salt water will help with both tooth sensitivity and sore gums.
“If the gum tissue looks swollen or inflamed, these are potential signs of an infection,” cautions Dr. Sussman.
In cases of extreme pain, Dr. Stirneman reiterates that, “During most situations, we ask the patient to come back in and see us so that we can professionally evaluate and take care of any discomfort.”
Professional treatments
Dental care professionals always recommend scheduling a visit if the pain persists and is affecting your daily living. “The bite can be adjusted, or the temporary crown can be remade if necessary,” says Dr. Gill.
Dr. Stirneman typically trims down the temporary crown for his patients. “When it fits better, it will not hit the opposing teeth with undue pressure. If the temporary crown is not sealed enough, I will clean out the area and reseal it with extra attention.”
Potential health risks with temporary crowns
According to research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, getting a temporary crown is generally a low-risk treatment for patients with healthy teeth and gums. It usually provides more benefits for patients than disadvantages, plus it’s only worn for a relatively brief period.
Dr. Stirneman notes that the average term of a temporary crown is 2-3 weeks. “In most cases, the patient will just experience discomfort,” he says.
However, temporary crowns can cause discomfort for those who need a root canal. “In these cases, it is important to tend to any pain from temporary crowns quickly as it can escalate. If the bite is high, it could also cause TMJ problems,” informs Dr. Gill.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the skull to the jawbone — a TMJ disorder can lead to significant pain in your jaw joint, as well as discomfort in the muscles that control its movement.
It is also possible, Dr. Sussman says, for the temporary crown to loosen or a piece of it to break off. In addition, patients can experience digestive problems from using over-the-counter oral analgesics.
In Dr. Sussman’s opinion, “The biggest risk of ignoring persistent pain after any dental procedure is the possibility of further disease progression. If the pain is coming from the nerve of the tooth and it is not treated, an infection may develop which can spread beyond the tooth.”
Thus, it’s important to tell your dentist if you see swelling around or above the gum tissue of the tooth being treated. If the tooth is loose or moves, call your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Alternatives if you give up the crown
Patients with chronic tooth sensitivity or those in need of a root canal may choose an alternative method or procedure.
If the best choice of care is receiving a crown, some dental offices have laboratories on site, so they can make impressions and crowns of your tooth in as little as a day. Seek out a dentist with a restoration and prosthetic laboratory on site, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
You can also talk to your doctor about other ways to protect your tooth. A temporary filling — also known as an onlay — may prevent sensitivity better than a temporary crown.
A dental onlay is like a crown but instead of covering the entire tooth, it only covers the area where filling is necessary. If you need a tooth cusp replacement, this restoration can cover the area where the missing cusp would be.
Some patients receive a veneer but these are more expensive than a crown. Your dentist can also extract the tooth and add a replacement such as a dental implant.
Before taking on a temporary crown
You may have reservations about having a temporary crown put it. This can range from worries over worsening pain to the possibility of TMJ issues down the line.
While there are ways to relieve sensitivity or discomfort until a permanent crown is ready to be placed, having a conversation with your dentist about your concerns is always advisable.
Ask your dentist to cover the benefits and risks of placing a crown, and how they recommend you handle your symptoms should they develop. This would be the most efficient way to discover all your options and ultimately decide if this is the right treatment for you.
FAQs
What causes pain with a temporary crown? ›
If the temporary crown doesn't fit the tooth properly, then it can create pressure on the affected tooth and cause pain. The chances of falling off are high if the crown is incompatible with the tooth. In such a situation, it's best to inform the dentist and follow their instructions.
Is it normal for my tooth to hurt 2 weeks after a temporary crown? ›If you are continuously experiencing pain after receiving a crown placement for more than 2 weeks that is when you should go back to the dentist. If the pain is so severe you can't wait, we recommend scheduling an emergency dental visit to get the problem resolved as soon as possible.
How long does it take a temporary crown to settle down? ›This will take a few days to settle down but you may notice slight sensitivity to heat, cold or sweet lasting for a few seconds - these are sensations you won't feel when your permanent crown is in place. Continued increasing sensitivity to hot is not normal and needs to be reviewed.
How do you calm an irritated nerve in your tooth? ›- Ice. Applying ice to the area of the painful tooth can help to numb the pain. ...
- Elevate Your Head. ...
- Over the Counter Medications. ...
- Salt Water Rinse. ...
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse. ...
- Tea Bags. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Vanilla Extract.
Brushing Around a Temporary Crown
To keep your gums healthy, brush the area gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Mouthwash is okay to use as well but if you are having gum soreness or bleeding, then warm salt water rinses are best. This mixture will soothe the tissue and heal it faster.
Any time a dentist uses an instrument to modify the structure of a tooth, there is a chance this procedure will irritate the dental nerve. Typically, this pain is reversible and is a response of the tooth cells being temporarily injured during treatment.
Is a temporary crown sensitive to pressure? ›It is also normal to feel some tooth sensitivity in the first few days after the temporary crown is placed. While the sensitivity can subside on its own, you could also brush using a desensitizing toothpaste to reduce the sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure.
Why does my tooth hurt but the dentist didn t see anything wrong? ›If your dentist checks out your oral health and doesn't find anything, there could be a variety of possibilities to the true source of pain. This type of pain is known as referred pain. The types of referred pain patients can experience are related, but not limited, to: Congested or Infected Sinuses.
What are the side effects of temporary crown? ›You may experience sensitivity to temperature and pressure, gum soreness and slight discomfort on the tooth / teeth; it should subside after the placement of permanent crown. Avoid hard or sticky foods that may dislodge temporary crowns, such as: Hard chewy breads such as bagels or French bread.
How do you know if you need a root canal after a temporary crown? ›If you feel pain in your tooth while you're drinking or eating something hot or cold you might need a root canal. The sensitivity can manifest itself as a sharp pain or a dull ache, and if you can feel it for a longer period of time, even after you finish drinking or earing.
Why do temporary crowns feel so weird? ›
It is important to note that your temporary crown is not made from the same materials as your permanent crown. Because of this, your temporary crown may feel rough and may not be the exact color or shape that you would like.
Can a temporary crown be adjusted? ›A temporary crown can easily be adjusted since, if need be, it's easily removeable or adjusted. However, a permanent crown takes a few more steps to be fixed. In order to reshape a permanent crown, a dental professional will first examine the mouth and see what the root cause is.
How long does it take for a temporary crown to harden? ›The temporary cement requires about one-half hour to set. Please do not chew on it during that period of time. Until the anesthetic wears off, avoid hot food and beverages as well as chewing.
What is the best painkiller for tooth nerve pain? ›“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
How long does it take for a tooth nerve to calm down? ›How Long Does Nerve Pain Last in A Tooth? On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
What is the best mouthwash for temporary crowns? ›Follow along gum line of temporary crown (both cheek side and tongue side of tooth). This helps prevent bleeding of tissue during the temporary phase of treatment. Use Crest Pro-‐Health Mouthwash or Listerine Zero Mouthwash.
Can I use Orajel on my temporary crown? ›Gum Soreness: Some gum soreness around the teeth is expected after crown and bridge preparation due to manipulation of these tissues during impression. If you need to, you can take over the counter pain medicines or use topical Orajel for temporary pain relief.
Can I drink coffee with a temporary crown? ›Be careful drinking red wine, soda, coffee or tea. These drinks can stain the temporaries and make them look yellow or brown. Rinse with water or brush after you have dark drinks. If temporary should come off during non business hours, please replace with denture adhesive (ex.
How long does an irritated tooth nerve take to heal? ›With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage. Depending on the cause of injury, there are various treatments that may be applied to treat dental nerve damage.
Why is my temporary crown sensitive to hot and cold? ›If your crowned tooth begins to have sensitivity to hot, cold, and/or air, it could be because the gums around the tooth have receded with time, exposing part of the root. Forceful tooth brushing could lead to gum recession. Gums that start to recede are more susceptible to plaque buildup and can lead to gum infection.
Do permanent crowns feel better than temporary? ›
All the unique grooves and cusps of the teeth must comfortably fit together when you close your teeth. This custom fit makes permanent crowns feel much more comfortable and natural than temporary crowns.
Can a temporary crown cause infection? ›Risk of Infection: First, there is a significant risk of infection! If the temporary crown breaks or leaks, or if bacteria is able to make it into your vulnerable tooth, you could develop the need for a root canal before your permanent crown makes it into your smile!
How do you tell a good dentist from a bad one? ›- He/she cares about your comfort. ...
- He/she asks questions and listens to you. ...
- He/she is in good standing with the American Dental Association. ...
- He/she respects your resources and your time. ...
- He/she follows up. ...
- He/she respects staff members. ...
- Call us to learn more.
What should I do? If your tooth pain will not go away, severe symptoms after hours can be a problem. Take an over-the-counter pain medication, and if necessary, visit the hospital emergency room. This is especially important if you are experiencing swelling in your face or jaw.
Why does my tooth hurt but no infection? ›Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there's no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there's a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.
How long should a tooth hurt after a temporary crown? ›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.
Can I take ibuprofen after getting a temporary crown? ›It may take a few days to get used to your new crown after the final cementation. Hot and cold sensitivity may occur for a few weeks and occasionally may last for several months. Please take Tylenol or Ibuprofen when you get home and before bedtime.
How long after a temporary crown is cemented can I eat? ›Don't Eat for 30 Minutes After the Crown Is Placed
Even though the temporary crown will be replaced eventually, it's important that it remain secure. To avoid problems, avoid eating for 30 minutes after the temporary crown has been cemented and set at the office.
All the unique grooves and cusps of the teeth must comfortably fit together when you close your teeth. This custom fit makes permanent crowns feel much more comfortable and natural than temporary crowns.
How long does tooth nerve pain last? ›On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
Are teeth more sensitive with a temporary crown on? ›
In addition to general tooth pain, you may also experience some tooth sensitivity to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is completely normal and will usually dissipate within a few days following your procedure. If it continues beyond a few days, you will want to call our office for further instruction.
Can I eat a sandwich with temporary crowns? ›Temporary crowns are bonded into place with temporary cement. With the temporary dental crown, it is very important to avoid taking anything crunchy or very sticky. This is to prevent dental crowns from pulling off or breaking under high force.
Can your tooth be sensitive with a temporary crown? ›It is also normal to feel some tooth sensitivity in the first few days after the temporary crown is placed. While the sensitivity can subside on its own, you could also brush using a desensitizing toothpaste to reduce the sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure.
How long does it take for crown pain to go away? ›Sore gums from a crown procedure
You might have temporary discomfort after a procedure to place your crown. This pain shouldn't last longer than 2 weeks or so. Talk to a dentist if you're experiencing a lot of pain following a crown procedure, or if you have pain that doesn't go away after 2 weeks.