If you are experiencing issues with a damaged or weakened tooth, a dental crown, or a tooth-shaped cap that dentists mount on top of a damaged tooth or dental implant to restore its strength and natural appearance, it is one of the most effective solutions to restore your natural look. The goal is to help you regain confidence in your smile, and the procedure has a very high success rate, but sometimes, right after the procedure, patients may notice discomfort.
A little pain is normal for a few days, but if you are Googling “jaw pain after permanent crown” a full week after the procedure, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Let’s break down what’s normal, what’s not, and when to call your dentist for help.
Jaw Pain After a Temporary vs. Permanent Crown
After your consultation with the dentist, you will first receive a temporary crown while the permanent one is being fabricated. Here’s a quick table that outlines the key differences in the type of pain you may feel after each step.
Type of Crown | Common Reasons for Pain | Duration |
Temporary crown | Slight irritation from cement, gum sensitivity, or bite misalignment during fitting. | 1 to 3 days |
Permanent crown | Jaw strain from prolonged mouth opening, bite imbalance, or inflammation from nerve sensitivity. | May last several days if unadjusted |
So, some jaw pain after temporary crown placement is relatively common. These temporary materials are thinner and less precise, so the bite can feel slightly off, which can, in turn, cause mild tension in the jaw or even some jaw pain after crown prep if you had a long session.
When the permanent crown is cemented, the bite should feel natural, but still, jaw pain after permanent crown placement can occur if the crown sits too high. This can affect how your teeth close, and the imbalance forces jaw muscles to work overtime, which can sometimes lead to jaw and ear pain after crown treatment.
Is Jaw Pain After a Crown Normal?
A little soreness is typically normal, as the gum tissue around the treated tooth needs time to adjust. The jaw can also become fatigued after being open for extended periods of time.
Be patient and wait for four days. If it still hurts, if it worsens when you chew, or if you notice the pain spreading to your ear or temple, this is a sign that you might be experiencing issues with your bite, the nerve in your tooth, or even underlying tension in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is not normal.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION!
Our team at Cosmedica Dental looks forward to hearing from you! Contact us now for a free consultation and a no-obligation analysis of your overbite situation.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain After a Crown
- High Crown or Bite Misalignment: If the crown is even slightly higher than it was naturally, this will put extra pressure on one side of your jaw.
- TMJ Tension Long: Dental appointments can strain the temporomandibular joint, leading to tightness or a clicking sound in your jaw.
- Tooth Nerve Sensitivity: Your tooth’s nerve can become inflamed, causing radiating pain.
- Gum or Tissue Irritation: The temporary cement or minor swelling can irritate the nearby gum tissue.
- Clenching or Grinding (Bruxism): Many people unknowingly clench their teeth at night, which amplifies jaw soreness after dental work.
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area for about 15 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Warm Compress: Switch to a warm compress after the first day to relax your jaw muscles.
- Soft Foods: Go for some soup, smoothies, and easy pasta until the tenderness wears off.
- Gentle Jaw Movement: Avoid wide yawning or hard chewing, and instead, try slow, circular jaw stretches.
- Over-the-Counter Relief: Ibuprofen or paracetamol can help calm inflammation and pain.
When to Call Your Dentist
Here’s a quick and actionable list to help you determine when you should call your dentist.
- If the pain lasts more than 3 or 4 days;
- If you feel pressure or discomfort when biting down;
- If you notice the pain spreading to your ear or temple;
- If your bite feels uneven;
- If you notice swelling, fever, or signs of infection.
Preventing Jaw Pain During and After Dental Work in Turkey
Even though a top dental clinic will guide you through the entire process, there are still a few things you can do to prevent jaw pain after dental crown work.
- Choose a reputable clinic that offers 3D scanning technology for precise crown fitting.
- If you have TMJ issues or jaw tension, inform your dentist prior to the appointment.
- Schedule short breaks during long procedures.
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully once you return home.
Turkey has been a top destination for medical tourism for quite some time. When you Google “dental implants Turkey,” you will notice highly advanced clinics and experienced specialists with proven track records. Then, if you search for “price dental treatments in Turkey”, you’ll find the price to be much lower than in Western Europe or the US.
Without sacrificing quality, patients can combine crowns, implants, or veneers in Turkey for a complete smile transformation.
Conclusion
So, your mouth needs a bit of time to adjust, but ongoing jaw pain after crown treatment shouldn’t be ignored. A quick check-up and the right adjustment or treatment can help your bite feel natural again and keep your jaw pain-free for years to come.
FAQ
How long should the jaw hurt after a crown?
Usually, one to three days, but longer pain needs evaluation.
How can I relieve pain from a crowned tooth?
Cold compresses, soft foods, and OTC painkillers help.
Why does the jaw hurt after getting a crown?
Often bite imbalance or muscle strain.
Should I see a dentist for pain after a crown?
If it lasts more than a few days or affects your bite, yes.