Why Your Crown Hurts and What to Do
A toothache under a dental crown is usually caused by decay beneath the crown, nerve inflammation, bite misalignment, or infection. Treatment may involve adjusting the bite, replacing the crown, or performing a root canal if infection is present.
If you are experiencing pain in a crowned tooth in Rockville, MD, prompt evaluation can prevent more serious complications.
📞 Call 301-424-2030
Same-day emergency appointments available.
Why Does My Crowned Tooth Hurt?
A dental crown covers and protects a damaged tooth, but the tooth underneath is still alive unless it has had a root canal.
Pain under a crown may be caused by:
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Decay beneath the crown margin
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Cracked tooth under the crown
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Nerve inflammation (pulpitis)
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Bite pressure imbalance
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Gum infection around the crown
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Failing root canal treatment
Identifying the underlying cause is essential before determining treatment.
Visit our emergency dental care page.
Common Symptoms of Crown-Related Pain
You may experience:
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Sharp pain when biting
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Sensitivity to hot or cold
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Throbbing discomfort
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Swelling around the tooth
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Persistent pressure
If pain worsens or swelling develops, urgent care is recommended.
When Is a Toothache Under a Crown an Emergency?
Seek immediate dental care if you notice:
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Severe, worsening pain
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Facial swelling
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Fever
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Pus or drainage
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Difficulty biting down
These may indicate infection that requires prompt treatment.
Treatment Options for a Painful Crown
Treatment depends on the cause.
1️⃣ Bite Adjustment
If the crown is slightly high, adjusting the bite may relieve pressure.
2️⃣ Crown Replacement
If decay has formed underneath, the crown may need removal and replacement. Learn more about dental crown replacement.
3️⃣ Root Canal Therapy
If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth. See our root canal treatment options.
4️⃣ Gum Therapy
If the issue is gum-related, localized periodontal treatment may resolve discomfort.
A proper examination and imaging help determine the correct approach.
Can a Crown Get Infected?
Yes. While the crown itself cannot decay, bacteria can enter at the margins and infect the underlying tooth.
This is why persistent pain under a crown should never be ignored.
How Long Can I Wait with Crown Pain?
Mild sensitivity may resolve temporarily. However, persistent or worsening pain often indicates a deeper issue.
Delaying treatment can result in:
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Increased infection
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Bone involvement
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Need for extraction
Early evaluation improves outcomes.
Serving Rockville & Surrounding Communities
We provide crown pain evaluation and emergency dental treatment for patients in:
Rockville, Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and throughout Montgomery County.
📞 Call 301-424-2030
Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my crowned tooth hurt when I bite down?
Pain when biting may be caused by bite imbalance, cracked tooth structure beneath the crown, or infection inside the tooth.
Can a crown get infected?
Yes. Bacteria can enter beneath the crown margin and infect the underlying tooth structure.
Do I need a root canal if my crown hurts?
Not always. Treatment depends on the cause. If the nerve is infected, root canal therapy may be required.
Should a painful crown be removed?
If decay or infection is present beneath the crown, removal may be necessary to treat the tooth properly.
How urgent is tooth pain under a crown?
Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated promptly to prevent complications.