Experiencing jaw pain after receiving a temporary crown is not uncommon, but it can be a source of concern and discomfort. This discomfort may arise from various factors associated with permanent dental crowns, the procedure, or how the temporary crown fits within your mouth. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind jaw pain after a temporary crown, explore effective management techniques, and highlight when it might be necessary to consult with your dentist.
Stay tuned to learn more about addressing this painful issue and ensuring your dental health remains intact.
Understanding Jaw Pain After Temporary Crown Placement
Experiencing jaw pain after placing a temporary crown is a relatively common issue arising from various factors related to the dental procedure. This discomfort affected the tooth and can be attributed to several key aspects:
Adjustment Period
The mouth and jaw may take time to adjust to the new temporary crown, which can initially cause discomfort or slight pain as the soft tissues and jaw muscles adapt to the changes.
Pressure on the Jaw
During the crown placement, prolonged periods of keeping the mouth open can strain the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints, leading to pain post-procedure.
Inflammation
Preparing a tooth for a crown can irritate the nerves and gums around the tooth, resulting in temporary inflammation and sensitivity, which manifest as jaw pain.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain Following Temporary Crown Application
Jaw pain following the application of temporary dental crowns can stem from various sources, often related to the dental procedure itself or the adaptation period your mouth undergoes with the new dental appliance. Here are some common causes:
Tissue Trauma
The process of preparing a tooth for a crown can be invasive. Drilling and reshaping the tooth to fit the crown can cause trauma to the surrounding gums and tissues, leading to pain and inflammation.
Pressure from the Procedure
Keeping your mouth open for extended periods during the dental procedures can strain the muscles and joints in your jaw, resulting in temporary discomfort or pain post-procedure.
Improper Bite Alignment
If the temporary crown is not properly aligned with your bite, it can create uneven pressure on your jaw when you close your mouth or chew. This misalignment can cause muscle strain and pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders.
Irritation from the Crown Material
Though generally safe, the materials used in the temporary crown can sometimes irritate the surrounding gum tissue, especially if the fit is not perfect or if there is an allergic reaction to them.
Infection
Although rare, there is a risk of infection if bacteria become trapped under the crown or if the crown irritates the tooth and surrounding gums. An infection can cause swelling, increased sensitivity, and pain that radiates to the jaw.
Tooth Sensitivity
After a tooth has been worked on, especially if the natural tooth structure has been significantly reduced or manipulated, it may become more sensitive to temperature changes and pressure, which can manifest as pain in the jaw area.
How to Identify If Your Temporary Crown Is the Source of Pain
Identifying whether a temporary crown is the source of your pain involves a few diagnostic steps that you can follow. Understanding these signs can help determine if your discomfort stems from permanent crowns or another dental issue. Here’s how you can assess:
Assess the Fit and Bite Alignment:
- Bite Test: Gently bite down and notice how your teeth come together. If the temporary crown feels higher than the rest of your teeth or impacts how your upper and lower teeth align, it could be causing the pain.
- Visual Inspection: Look at the crown in the mirror. If it appears misaligned or uneven compared to your natural teeth, this could be a sign that it’s the source of your discomfort.
Check for Sensitivity and Discomfort:
- Temperature Sensitivity: If you experience sharp pain when consuming hot or cold beverages or foods, it might indicate that the crown is not adequately protecting the underlying tooth structure.
- Pressure Sensitivity: Apply light pressure to the crown and surrounding teeth with your finger or by chewing softly. If pain intensifies specifically under pressure, the crown might be the issue.
Inspect the Gum Area Around the Crown:
- Redness and Swelling: Examine the gums around the crown for any signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding, which could suggest improper crown placement or gum irritation.
- Gum Recession: If the gums have receded around the crown, uncovering more of the tooth or the root, it could indicate an ill-fitting crown irritation.
Look for Signs of Infection:
- Pus or Discharge: Any oozing around the crown area can indicate infection.
- Bad Taste or Smell: An ongoing unpleasant taste or odor emanating from the area around the crown could also indicate an infection.
Assess Overall Comfort and Functionality:
- Chewing Discomfort: If it is painful to chew or you avoid using that side of your mouth, the crown could be the culprit.
- General Discomfort: Persistent ache or throbbing in the area, even when not eating or drinking, can also point to issues with the temporary crown.
Home Remedies to Alleviate Jaw Pain After Temporary Crown
Experiencing jaw pain after receiving a temporary crown can be quite uncomfortable. Still, you can try several home remedies to alleviate this discomfort until you can visit your Available Dental Care dentist in Campbelltown, NSW. Here are some effective methods to help ease jaw and tooth pain:
Cold Compresses: Put a cold compress or ice pack on your jaw from outside to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every hour as needed.
Warm Salt Water Rinses: Swish with warm salt water several times daily to help reduce swelling and soothe sore gums. Combine a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently wash your mouth.
Soft Diet: Consume soft foods that require little chewing to keep away from further irritation of your jaw muscles. Foods like soups, smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes can prevent aggravating the pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and relieve tooth crown pain. Always stick to the dosage instructions on the package or those provided by your dentist.
Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can help relieve tension in the jaw. Slowly open and close your mouth, move your jaw from side to side, and stretch it forward and backward. These movements can help prevent the jaw muscles from stiffening.
Massage: Massaging the muscles around the jaw and temples can help relieve tension. With your fingertips massage the muscle in a circular motion, this helps applying mild pressure to help relax the muscles.
Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods: Until your pain subsides, avoid foods that require significant chewing, such as hard candies, chewing gum, or tough meats, as these can exacerbate the pain.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, but be gentle around the temporary crown and any sore areas to prevent further irritation.
In conclusion, jaw pain after a temporary crown can be unsettling, but it’s often manageable with the right care and precautions. Understanding the potential causes and understanding when to seek medical advice is key to addressing this discomfort effectively. If your jaw pain persists or worsens, it’s crucial to consult your dentist to ensure that your temporary or permanent crown is functioning correctly and not leading to further issues. Remember, timely intervention can prevent complications and maintain dental health.
References
What to Do If Your Temporary Dental Crown Hurts – Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/temporary-crown-pain#:~:text=Crown%20doesn’t%20fit%20properly&text=Temporary%20crowns%20don’t%20usually,further%20pain%20and%20bite%20issues.
What to Know About a Temporary Dental Crown – WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-know-about-temporary-dental-crown#:~:text=You%20may%20experience%20some%20minor,your%20pain%20becomes%20more%20severe.
Recovery After a Dental Crown Procedure
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Recovery-After-a-Dental-Crown-Procedure.aspx
Severe Pain After Temporary Crowns Temporary Crown
https://www.practo.com/consult/severe-pain-after-temporary-crown-i-have-lower-jaw-pain-under-ear-and-neck-since-may-dentist-suspect-a-tooth-fracture/q
Causes And Treatment Tooth Crown Pain
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/tooth-crown-pain-causes-treatment
0 Comments