Introduction
If a tooth has been completely destroyed by caries, the crown is the means of choice as a dental replacement. Sudden pain below this definitive denture can cause a persistent discomfort, the symptoms, therapy and prognosis of which are explained below.
Symptoms of inflammation under the tooth crown
If an inflammation develops under a crowned tooth, it is a very unpleasant experience for the person affected. The following symptoms are more frequent:
- Pressure sensitivity: The inflammation of the vessels in the tooth chamber produces gases that want to escape. Since the crown prevents any escape, a very strong pressure is formed on the crowned tooth.
The gums around the tooth can also be sensitive to pressure and can cause pain if you touch them.
- Swelling: The inflammation tries to spread downwards, as there is no possibility of spreading upwards. This can also infect the bone and soft tissue underneath the root of the tooth, causing a slight swelling. The swelling ensures that the tooth is slightly higher and any biting causes discomfort.
Chewing on the affected side is usually not bearable, so that the affected person has to move to the other side. Biting and chewing causes pain that feels oppressive and stinging, some patients describe it as “lightning that shoots into the tooth. “
- Redness: The gums around the tooth are often reddened and swollen and feel warm.
It is noticeable that cold food and drinks provide relief while warm food tends to increase the discomfort.
- Abscess formation: If not treated, apical periodontitis, an inflammation below the root tip, may occur. This can lead to an abscess, an accumulation of pus filled with bacteria.
- Fistula tract: Another form of apical periodontitis is a fistula tract, in which the inflammation forms a thin excretory duct either into or outside the oral cavity, through which pus can permanently drain. This variant is more favorable for the patient, since no feeling of pressure builds up, but the permanently secreted pus can cause an unpleasant odor and a bad taste sensation.
Immediately after the insertion of a crown, unpleasant sensations may occur, but this is quite normal.
The chewing sensation may feel different and unfamiliar, but after some time you get used to it. The new crown may also feel a little too “high”, which should be put down again during the acclimatization period. However, if you have this feeling all the time and are not sure whether the other teeth are still clenching correctly, it may be that the crown is too high and a visit to the dentist is recommended.
A brief temperature sensitivity lasting a few seconds is also nothing unusual, but is only a cause for concern if it does not improve over time and the pain lasts longer. Initially the inflammation will not be noticeable until it spreads further and further. Mild pain will follow, especially when enjoying hot or cold food.
As the pain progresses, it increases more and more, may also become pulsating and turn into a permanent pain. Especially when biting, the pain can become more intense as the crown is stressed. The tooth is sensitive to knocking. It is advisable to seek professional advice at the first signs of this in order to start treatment as early as possible.
