Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Dr. Christine Tenaglia believes in preventing tooth loss whenever possible. By placing a dental crown on a tooth that is damaged and structurally compromised, the tooth can be saved from extraction. Sometimes, after a crown is installed, you might experience some sensitivity or discomfort when biting. In this article, Okemos’ award-winning dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia explores the reasons why you may have tooth sensitivity from your crown and when to be concerned.
When should you worry about pain from a crown?
You may feel some sensitivity after a crown is installed. This is rather common and should subside within a few weeks. Recurring or chronic discomfort, however, means there may be a problem that needs to be addressed by your restorative dentist.
Be aware if you experience any of the following:
- Discomfort when you chew or bite
- Soreness first thing in the morning
- A consistent ache with no discernible cause
- Heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
Any of the above could be signs that your tooth is not responding well or had more extensive damage than was present during your exam. If you experience any of the above issues frequently, you should see your Okemos dentist as soon as possible for an exam.
What can damage your crown?
Sometimes, a crown can crack or fracture if you bite down on something hard or as a consequence of normal wear and tear. Your crown also can sustain damage from an accident or a facial injury. If your crown becomes damaged to the point it loosens, your existing restoration needs to be removed, and a new crown must be fabricated and placed on the affected tooth. If your crown falls off, this is a potential dental emergency, and you should be seen by Dr. Tenaglia as soon as possible.
Bruxism can risk the stability of your crowns
Bruxism is the clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. This is a habit that affects millions of Americans, many of whom never even know they’re doing it because they grind their teeth while they sleep. Bruxism is on the rise; in 2020, the Washington Post reported seeing more cases of this behavior due to the increased stress people were living under during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you grind your teeth, they experience an excessive force that can wear down the enamel or cause restorations like crowns to crack and break. Bruxism also can be a contributing factor to temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ disorder.
Crown Installation and Repair in Okemos
Dr. Tenaglia offers beautiful, metal-free crowns that are functional and durable. You can do your part to extend the effective lifespan of your crown and any other restorations in your mouth by brushing twice each day, flossing daily, and visiting our Okemos dental office every six months for a checkup that includes a professional dental cleaning and checkup. Whether you need a crown or have issues with a crown that you had installed by another dentist, Dr. Tenaglia and her staff at Tenaglia Smiles can help. Make your appointment today online or by calling (517) 347-6733 if you live in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in Michigan.