Long Should Tooth Sensitivity Last After a Crown? Here’s What to Expect

If you've recently had a dental crown placed, you might be wondering how long your tooth sensitivity should last. Feeling some sensitivity after getting a crown is common—but it shouldn't last forever. At White and Haines Advanced Dentistry, we understand the discomfort and concerns that often come with dental treatments. Knowing exactly what to expect after your procedure can make your recovery smoother, help you manage symptoms effectively, and get you back to enjoying your smile confidently. Here’s everything you need to know about tooth sensitivity following a dental crown.

Sensitivity after a Crown: What Causes It?

It's normal to feel sensitivity after getting a dental crown, and it's not usually a cause for concern. This sensitivity is temporary, though. There are a few main triggers that can set it off, including temperatures and mechanical pressure. Additionally, eating certain foods, especially acidic ones, can affect the fluid movement in the denticle tubules through osmosis. Here are the possible causes of tooth sensitivity after getting a dental crown.

1. Preparation Process

The dentist needs to reshape the natural tooth slightly before placing a crown. This process involves removing a small amount of enamel to ensure the crown fits perfectly. The procedure can sometimes irritate the nerves. It's more of a minor bruise and requires little time to settle down.

2. Cementation

Dental cement secures the crown to your tooth. Modern cements are highly biocompatible, and the cementing process or the materials can cause temporary sensitivity while the tooth adjusts.

3. Bite Adjustment

This happens when the upper and lower jaws are not well aligned. While biting, the tooth on the opposite jaw strikes the dental crown and places a diagonal pressure on the underlying tissue, leading to sensitivity. But you don’t have to worry, this is usually corrected with a prompt adjustment visit.

4. Gum Irritation

Surrounding gum tissue can sometimes be a temporary cause of irritation while preparing the tooth for placing the crowns. It therefore feels like tooth sensitivity.

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For many patients, any sensitivity experienced after crown placement is usually short-lived. In most cases, at the peak for the first weeks, it subsides slowly within days or weeks, and often resolves within a short timeframe.

Homecare For Tooth Sensitivity at Home

Here are simple things you can do to manage sensitivity while adjusting and stay comfortable. The most common ones include

Right Toothpaste

The type of toothpaste you use should be specifically for tooth sensitivity. It should contain compounds that help block the transmission of sensation from the root surfaces to the nerve

Moderate Temperature

Avoid very cold or hot drinks that can trigger sensitivity. Consume foods at a moderate temperature for a while.

Brushing and Flossing

Oral hygiene should be a regular process, but during this period, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and be gentle around the new crown and the gum areas.

Limit Intake of Hard or Sticky Foods

Hard and sticky foods require forceful chewing on the side with a new crown. It's critical to give your teeth a break by avoiding these foods for a while.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Mind that temporary sensory changes might be normal; however, here are some signs that may require you to reach out to your cosmetic dentist.

• If you have sensitivity worsening instead of getting better, then you need to see your dentist.
• Sharp pain or consistent discomfort when biting might suggest adjustments to your crown.
• If you have a consistent headache that is not a result of temperature or pressure, it might be another reason to consult your dentist.
• If your sensitivity lasts more than a typical adjustment period, then make a prompt consultation.
• Swelling, bleeding, or noticeable redness around the crowned tooth is not normal

Commitment to Your Comfort and Advanced Crown Options

At White and Haines Advanced Dentistry, we provide exceptional cosmetic dental care in a welcoming and comfortable environment, utilizing advanced CEREC technology to offer convenient same-day crowns designed, milled, and placed during a single visit—saving you time and minimizing discomfort.

After crown placement, experiencing tooth sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common and typically subsides within a few weeks; maintaining gentle oral hygiene and limiting sensitive foods can help ease symptoms. If unusual sensitivity persists, our skilled and experienced team at White and Haines is here to support you at every step toward your healthy, beautiful smile.