Two of my upper crowned teeth hurt two weeks after my dental cleaning. Today, the pain was much worse when I drank coffee. The teeth seem to be sensitive to heat. I’ve had the crowns for over 15 years. Will I need new ones? Thanks. Lyubov from IL
Lyubov,
Unfortunately, your symptoms mean that the tooth pulp is dying, and you need root canal treatment.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity to Heat?
Worn enamel can cause tooth sensitivity to heat. However, the sensitivity can come and go. Linger pain that worsens when a tooth is exposed to heat signals that the tooth is dying.
Bacteria may have leaked under the crown and into the tooth, causing an infection. The body’s defenses attach the infection, but white blood cells that rush to the tooth cause swelling in the pulp, which eventually dies. Tooth pulp can emit gases as it dies, increasing pressure and pain in the tooth. If you drink something with a cooler temperature, it contracts the gasses and relieves your symptoms. Another possibility is that the tooth may have an irritated root surface.
What Is the Solution to Lingering Sensitivity in a Crowned Tooth?
Lingering sensitivity in a crowned tooth requires root canal treatment. If you’ve had the crown for over 15 years, your dentist wants to remove it. Removing the crown, taking an X-ray, and performing root canal treatment to remove the infection. You will need a new crown for each infected tooth.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give his patients the best dental care in Barrington.