11 September 2025
Dental crowns are one of the most common dental restorations out there. They're designed to cover and protect teeth that are damaged or weakened, acting like a protective cap. When properly fitted, they can help restore functionality and improve the look of your smile. But sometimes things don’t feel quite right after getting one.
If you’ve had a dental crown placed and it just doesn’t feel comfortable, you’re not alone. That feeling can come in many forms: soreness when you bite, ongoing sensitivity, gum irritation, or even a dull ache that doesn't seem to go away. These kinds of issues are worth paying attention to. They can point to a number of possible causes, so let’s walk through why dental crowns might feel uncomfortable and what could be going on beneath the surface.
Common Causes Of Discomfort
It’s not uncommon for a dental crown to feel off, especially in the first few days. But if that sensation sticks around, there could be an underlying issue. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your crown might feel uncomfortable:
1. It Doesn’t Fit Right
A crown that doesn’t match your bite can cause discomfort during chewing or jaw movement. If it’s even slightly misaligned or too tall, you might feel soreness in the surrounding teeth or jaw joint. Think of it like wearing a shoe that rubs just a little. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, it adds up and causes discomfort.
2. High Bite Pressure
When the crown surface is too high, it may hit before your other teeth come together properly. This can put extra pressure on that tooth and cause pain. You might feel like you’re always hitting that crowned tooth first when you bite down.
3. Decay Under The Crown
Crowns are designed to cover the entire visible part of a tooth, but decay can still form underneath. This happens when bacteria get in through a gap or if the tooth wasn’t fully cleaned before placing the crown. If decay continues to grow, it can press on the structure beneath and lead to a dull ache or sharp pain.
Identifying the cause starts with paying attention to how your crown feels. Are you feeling pain when biting down? Does one part of your mouth carry more pressure? These small details can narrow down what might be causing the trouble.
Sensitivity Issues
Another possible reason your crown doesn’t feel right could be sensitivity. This can happen for a few different reasons, and while it’s sometimes temporary, it can be frustrating to deal with.
- Temperature Sensitivity
If hot soup or cold drinks are causing sharp stinging around your crown, this may be a sign of exposed dentin or irritated tooth nerves. This is more likely if the crown doesn’t completely cover the tooth or if the surrounding area is exposed after dental work.
- Exposed Dentin
In some cases, the underlying tooth beneath the crown may have parts of its dentin left uncovered. When dentin is exposed, it reacts more strongly to sweet, hot, or cold food. This can cause a sensation that feels like zapping pain that comes and goes.
Some people experience extra sensitivity right after getting a crown, and then it settles within a few days. But if discomfort goes on longer than expected or shows up weeks later, it could mean it needs a closer look. Temporary crowns can also bring short-term sensitivity, but permanent crowns should offer more comfort once adjusted.
The good news is, you don’t have to guess what's going on. Focus on when and where you feel the sensitivity and bring that up with your dentist. Whether it’s pain that comes and goes or discomfort that’s constant, it’s always a good idea to figure out the root cause.
Gum Irritation or Inflammation
Discomfort around a dental crown doesn’t always come from the crown itself. Sometimes it’s the soft tissues nearby that are reacting. Gum irritation is one of the most overlooked sources of pain. That soreness or puffiness near the base of the crown could be due to how the crown touches the gumline, how it's been shaped, or even something as simple as food getting trapped.
Here are a few common causes of gum irritation around a crown:
- The edge of the crown sits too close to or presses against the gum, leading to constant friction
- Cement from the crown placement wasn’t fully cleaned away, causing inflammation
- Plaque buildup near the crown line irritates the gum tissue over time
- A poorly fitting crown leaves a small space where bacteria can settle
Swelling, bleeding when brushing, or tender gums are all signs that something might be off. In some cases, if the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to infection, which makes the area feel warm, creates a bad taste in the mouth, or even results in a small bump near the crown.
Flossing carefully and brushing around the crown area can help keep things clean. But if irritation continues, the crown may need to be adjusted or replaced to give your gum the breathing room it needs to heal properly.
Signs of Damage or Wear Over Time
Crowns are built to last, but like anything that’s used every day, they can start to show signs of wear or damage. If your crown was placed several years ago and has started to feel off, it’s worth checking for more than just surface-level discomfort.
Common signs of wear and damage include:
- Small chips or cracks you can feel with your tongue
- A gritty texture when you chew, caused by broken ceramic
- The tooth feeling sensitive or exposed, especially if damage reveals inner layers
- A sudden shift in how your bite feels
One of the more frustrating parts of crown wear is that it can sneak up. Everything might feel fine for a while, then one day it just doesn't. For example, someone might notice pressure in their jaw when chewing on tough foods, only to later find that their crown has a hairline crack.
While minor surface issues can sometimes be smoothed out, larger cracks or shifting pieces may require a replacement. Waiting too long to take care of a damaged crown could leave the underlying tooth exposed and at risk.
Getting Expert Help in Lakewood
If you're dealing with an uncomfortable crown, the first step is to stop wondering and start figuring out what’s really going on. A discomfort that persists or changes over time usually has a correctable cause. Whether it’s something simple like a crown that’s too high or something deeper like decay, an experienced dental team can help get to the bottom of it.
In Lakewood, dental professionals are familiar with the challenges that arise from worn or poorly fitting crowns. Modern tools can check your bite, scan for hidden damage, and look at your crown’s fit below the gumline. This makes it easier to pinpoint the root cause of the issue and determine if a quick adjustment or a full replacement is the best move.
Getting regular checkups after crown placement helps too. Small problems are easier to fix early before they become bigger issues. If anything feels different, whether it’s a new ache or pressure when biting, it’s worth bringing up during your appointment. Catching it early may save you time and discomfort in the long run.
When Comfort Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
Any kind of tooth discomfort affects more than just your smile. It can change how you eat, sleep, and focus during the day. Putting off that strange pressure or ongoing ache doesn’t make it fade away. It usually results in more advanced problems that take longer to correct.
Crowns are meant to feel as close to natural as possible, so if something feels wrong, that shouldn't be ignored. Pain, pressure, or gum issues aren’t just inconveniences. They’re signs that something isn’t fitting or functioning as well as it could. Whether the solution is a small shaping session or something more involved, the outcome is a crown that actually brings comfort, not irritation.
Being aware of the signs can help you avoid bigger problems and give you more control over your oral health. If you notice something new or different with your crown, it’s worth talking to someone who can help you figure out the next step. Comfortable dental crowns are possible. It just starts with paying attention and taking action.
Don't let discomfort from your dental crown disrupt your life. At Raines Over The Rockies, we specialize in solutions that restore comfort and confidence in your smile. Discover the benefits and support of working with a dedicated dentist in Lakewood, CO, who understands the intricacies of dental restorations. Reach out today and let us help you achieve the ease and satisfaction you deserve.
