After receiving your new dental crown, you might notice a bit of discomfort or sensitivity. This can happen because the nerve of the treated tooth is still there and has been slightly disrupted by the vibrations of the dental drill. You might find that the tooth aches when you consume something that's hot or cold. To alleviate this common side effect, you can brush with toothpaste made for sensitive teeth.
Another problem that could occur with a dental crown, usually a new one, is that you feel sensitivity or pain when you bite down using that tooth. If this happens, contact the office. It could mean that the crown is too high, so is not contacting the opposing tooth as intended based on your treatment plan. This problem can be fixed with a quick adjustment in the office.
Crowns are made to be very durable and long-lasting, but they could chip. A small chip in a porcelain dental crown might be repaired using composite resin color-matched to the crown. A severe chip may require the crown to be replaced. A crown may also become loose. This can happen if the cement that holds the crown in place becomes weak or worn down. If the crown is loose, it needs to be replaced or reinserted with new cement. This problem requires prompt care to prevent bacteria from moving into the space beneath the crown. Rarely, a crown may fall off. This also requires a call to the office and an appointment to clean and replace the crown, provided it is still in good condition.