Dental crowns are designed to protect damaged teeth and restore their function and appearance. However, in some cases, patients may experience discomfort or even sharp pain in the crowned tooth. If you’re wondering what to do when you feel pain at your dental crowns, you’re not alone. This guide provides clear steps, expert insights, and practical information to help you understand the causes of crown pain and the right actions to take.
For medical tourists visiting Albania for affordable and high-quality dental treatments, being informed about post-treatment symptoms like crown pain is crucial for long-term dental health.
Why Does a Dental Crown Cause Pain?
A dental crown covers and protects a natural tooth, but several factors may lead to discomfort:
1. Tooth Sensitivity After Placement
It’s common to feel mild sensitivity after crown placement, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. This is usually temporary and subsides within days or weeks. However, if the pain persists, it may indicate a more serious issue.
2. High Crown Placement
A dental crown that is too high can cause your bite to be misaligned. This leads to pressure on the surrounding teeth or jaw, resulting in pain. A high crown needs to be reshaped by your dentist for proper alignment.
3. Tooth Decay Under the Crown
Although crowns cover most of the tooth, decay can still form at the margins or beneath the crown. If bacteria reach the dental pulp, it may lead to infection and inflammation, requiring root canal treatment.
4. Gum Recession or Infection
Gum tissue may recede due to poor hygiene or aging, exposing the edge of the crown or the root surface, leading to sensitivity and pain. In some cases, gum infection (gingivitis or periodontitis) can aggravate discomfort.
5. Cracked or Loose Crown
Over time, a crown can become loose, especially if it was placed years ago or subjected to heavy chewing. A crack or loosened fit can allow bacteria inside, causing pain or secondary decay.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Feel Pain at Your Dental Crowns
Step 1: Observe and Document Your Symptoms
Take note of the nature of the pain: Is it constant or triggered by chewing, hot, or cold food? Is the pain sharp, dull, or throbbing? Note when it started and whether the pain radiates to other parts of your mouth or jaw.
These observations help your dentist diagnose the issue more accurately.
Step 2: Avoid Aggravating Triggers
Until you see your dentist, avoid chewing hard foods, using that side of your mouth, or consuming extremely hot or cold beverages. This can reduce further irritation and minimize your discomfort.
Avoid biting into ice, nuts, or hard candy which can worsen pain or crack the crown.
Step 3: Use Saltwater Rinses and Mild Pain Relief
Gargling warm saltwater can reduce inflammation and ease mild gum irritation. Over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen may help reduce inflammation and ease the pain temporarily. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums—it can cause chemical burns.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If pain lasts more than 48 hours, increases in intensity, or is accompanied by swelling, bad taste, or fever, seek professional care immediately. These are signs that the tooth may be infected or the crown needs urgent adjustment or replacement.
Common Treatments for Dental Crown Pain
Bite Adjustment
If the pain is due to a misaligned bite, your dentist can adjust the height and shape of the crown to restore comfort and functionality.
Crown Replacement
If the crown is cracked, loose, or has recurrent decay beneath it, it may need to be replaced entirely. Most modern crowns, especially zirconia or E-max types, can last 10–15 years or more with proper care.
Root Canal Therapy
If the underlying tooth is infected, root canal treatment might be necessary. In most cases, the crown can be removed and reattached after the root canal is performed.
Antibiotics and Deep Cleaning
If infection or gum disease is the cause, professional cleaning and antibiotics may be prescribed. Your dentist may also recommend improvements to your oral hygiene routine.
Preventing Pain in Dental Crowns
Choose a Certified Clinic
When getting dental crowns—especially abroad—it’s essential to choose reputable clinics. In Albania, Albanian Health Agency helps international patients connect with licensed and highly reviewed clinics across Tirana, Durrës, and beyond.
Prioritize Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss gently around the crown, and use mouthwash to kill bacteria. Crowns, while artificial, depend on healthy gums and teeth around them.
Schedule Regular Check-ups
Regular dental visits allow early detection of crown issues. Your dentist can spot marginal gaps, signs of decay, or bite misalignments before they cause pain.
Medical Tourism in Albania: Why It’s the Best Choice in 2025
Many patients who receive dental crowns in Albania enjoy not only affordable prices but world-class care and after-treatment services. As of 2025, the average cost of a dental crown in Albania ranges from €250 to €450, including digital diagnostics and follow-up.
Top clinics in Tirana offer same-day CAD/CAM crowns, bilingual staff, and full-service care including airport pickup, hotel arrangements, and free online consultations. This makes Albania a leader in dental tourism across Europe.
Don’t Ignore Pain – Get Professional Help
If you’re wondering what to do when you feel pain at your dental crowns, the best answer is: act quickly and wisely. While mild discomfort may be normal, persistent or severe pain usually requires intervention.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment prevent complications and save your crown—and your tooth. And if you’re considering dental care abroad, Albania remains one of the safest and most advanced destinations for crown restoration and comprehensive dental care.
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