Short term sensitivity and what causes it

Here at our practice in TW20, our Egham dentists provide a high standard of cosmetic and general dentistry for all of our patients. One of the most common procedures we carry out is fixing a dental crown.

Crowns are prosthetic devices which are placed on natural teeth, or implants by a dentist and cemented in place using high strength dental adhesive. We often use crowns to cover up a partial tooth, damaged tooth, or to cover a dental implant. Bridges are often used if teeth are missing and are attached to the teeth either side of the space where the tooth is missing.

The benefits of crowns and bridges are extensive and include:

●     Strengthening a partial or damaged tooth

●     Improving the appearance of a tooth

●     Improving the shape of a tooth

●     Improving the alignment of a tooth

●     Preventing teeth shifting when other teeth are missing

Crown Sensitivity

When our Egham dentists perform this treatment, you may find you have some slight tooth sensitivity afterwards. There are lots of different things that can affect your likelihood of getting sensitivity in the lead up to the procedure and during the procedure itself. Here are some of the main reasons that this can occur:

The Bite Isn't Quite Right

If the crown is a bit too tall, you can develop something called 'bite tenderness' which can turn into a sensitivity towards hot or cold things. This can happen with temporary or permanent crowns but it is infrequent and easily addressed.

The Temporary Tooth Material Isn't Buffering

The material the temporary tooth is made from can influence the sensitivity of the tooth. Different materials will help protect the tooth from hot or cold things that set off sensitivity. Plastic tends to be a good option for protecting against temperature but it isn't as durable as a material like metal which is more durable but which isn't as good at buffering the tooth against hot and cold.

The Remaining Tooth

What you have left underneath the crown can affect how sensitive it is. How much decay was there before the treatment and where the filling is in relation to the tooth nerve can also influence the sensitivity. Naturally, the tooth will be more sensitive the closer the filling is to the nerve.

Any Remaining Root

Any tooth or root structure still visible after the crown is placed will promote sensitivity. However, this is unlikely to occur as it could be a result of gums receding after the procedure, or of the person already having receding gums before the procedure, both of which will have been accounted for and considered by the dentist during treatment.

These are just some of the reasons crowns can be sensitive after placement; but generally this will reduce within a few days. Hot and cold temperatures should be less of an issue over time as well and should gradually improve. However, if things haven't started to improve after a couple of weeks, you will need to come back and see us. You should also see us on an urgent basis if:

●     You suffer an increase in your sensitivity to cold

●     You notice your sensitivity becoming more frequent

●     The sensitivity doesn't go away

●     You get sharp pains when you bite

●     Your gums become sore and tender

●     Your gums become swollen

●     Your tooth starts to throb

If you have noticed your crown sensitivity isn't going away, you're getting new symptoms that are getting worse (as above), or you think you have cause to be concerned about your new crown, please give Crown House Dental Practice a call on 01784432641 and we will advise you on the best step to take next.