Why Does My Crown Hurt Months Later?

Months after your crown was placed, a sharp twinge resurfaces, and you catch yourself asking, “Why does my crown hurt?” That single question can stem from several issues—an uneven bite, lingering pulp irritation, or new decay sneaking in at the crown’s edge. In this blog ahead, you’ll learn which aches are normal settling pains, which signal a brewing problem, and the exact steps to keep your restored tooth pain-free and healthy.

When Pain Is Not Normal: Signs of a Problem

A little sensitivity right after a crown placement is expected. That discomfort should go away within a week or two. But if your child is wincing while brushing or avoiding certain foods months later, that’s a red flag.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Persistent sensitivity to cold or heat
• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Swelling or redness around the crowned tooth
• Bad taste in the mouth (possible sign of infection)
• Pain that gets worse over time
• Your child is avoiding brushing that part of the mouth

When any of these symptoms appear, don’t brush them off as “just part of the healing.” Crowns are meant to protect, not create new issues. Unresolved pain could mean an issue with the nerve, the fit of the crown, or even hidden decay.

Never wait for dental pain to “settle down.” If your child is experiencing discomfort long after the procedure, it’s time to pick up the phone and call a pediatric dentist near you. Addressing the issue early can prevent more invasive treatments later.

Common Causes of Post-Crown Pain in Children

Now that we know when to be concerned, let’s talk about why it happens. If you’ve been wondering why does my crown hurt even after months, you’re not alone. Kids’ teeth are different. They’re still developing, the pulp is more sensitive, and oral habits vary widely. Several culprits could be behind that lingering crown pain.

1. High Crown Placement

If the crown sits too high on the tooth, it disrupts the natural bite. Each time your child chews, pressure builds around the crown area. Over time, this misalignment can cause pain, jaw fatigue, or even headaches. The fix? A minor adjustment by the dentist.

Signs:

• Pain only when chewing
• Clicking sound when biting
• Your child says it “feels off”

2. Pulpitis or Nerve Irritation

Even after a crown is placed, the inside of the tooth—the pulp—can become inflamed. Sometimes this is from the original decay. Other times, the crown procedure itself may irritate the nerve.

Symptoms include:

• Throbbing pain
• Spontaneous toothache (even when resting)
• Extreme sensitivity to cold

If the pulp doesn’t settle, the next step may involve root canal treatment or pulpotomy (in children).

3. Hidden Cracks Under the Crown

Children aren’t always gentle with their teeth. Biting hard objects, clenching, or injury from sports can lead to hairline cracks beneath the crown. These are nearly invisible but can cause serious discomfort.

Warning signs:

• Intermittent sharp pain
• Pain that comes and goes
• No visible damage to the crown

A detailed X-ray can confirm this, and your dentist might recommend replacing the crown or treating the tooth underneath.

4. Recurrent Decay

Even crowned teeth can get cavities, especially at the edge where the crown meets natural teeth. Plaque tends to gather there, and if brushing isn’t effective, decay creeps in silently.

Pay attention to if:

• The tooth hurts when eating sweets
• You notice dark edges around the crown
• There’s a bad smell when flossing around the area

Decay at the crown margin needs quick intervention to prevent it from reaching the nerve.

5. Gum Irritation or Infection

Sometimes, it’s not the crown or the tooth—it’s the gums. Poor hygiene around the crown, or an allergic reaction to the crown material, can irritate the surrounding tissue.

You may see:

• Red, puffy, or bleeding gums
• Pain when brushing
• The crown feels loose

Encourage good brushing habits and follow up with your dentist if symptoms persist. In some cases, switching the crown material helps.

A Few Other Considerations

While the main causes are above, don’t forget the little things that can still lead to pain:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Nighttime grinding can wear on the crown and surrounding teeth.
• Food impaction: Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can get lodged around crowns and irritate the gums.
• Poor bonding: If the adhesive used to place the crown wasn’t strong, bacteria might sneak under.

If you’ve opted for tooth crowns in Sunnyvale, CA, be sure to follow up with the same provider if pain shows up months down the road. They’ll have the original X-rays, notes, and impressions on file, making it easier to track the issue.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let your child live with lingering tooth pain if you’re still wondering why my crown hurts—trust Bay Area Kids Dentist to find answers and relief. Our caring team is ready to help your child feel better fast. Book a visit today and give your child the healthy, pain-free smile they deserve.