Experiencing a headache after receiving a dental crown can be perplexing and distressing. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel fine during the dental procedure only to be troubled by discomfort later. Could there be a link between your new dental crown and the headache you can’t seem to shake?
First, it’s important to consider how the timing of your headache correlates with your recent dental work. Could an adjustment to your crown be the key to relief? How does a crown impact your overall oral health and comfort? Let’s explore these questions together.
Dental Crowns: A Quick Overview
Dental crowns fit over a damaged tooth, restoring the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. These restorations are hollow, enabling them to encase the tooth completely, providing a durable layer of protection against further decay or damage.
Beyond their protective qualities, crowns are instrumental in enhancing dental aesthetics, improving the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, oddly shaped, or misaligned, contributing to a uniform smile. Crowns can also support dental bridges and can prevent the fracture of weak teeth, safeguarding your dental health and enhancing functionality.
Headaches and Dental Crowns: Is There a Connection?
So, is it normal to have a headache after getting a crown?
While it’s not uncommon to experience headaches after receiving a dental crown, this is not a typical side effect. And as mentioned, the key to understanding these headaches lies in their timing.
Immediate headaches may indicate issues like imbalance or improper fitting, which can cause discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new crown. If the headache persists beyond a few days, it’s crucial to consult your dentist to ensure the crown is correctly positioned and does not contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Exploring Potential Causes of Dental Pain and Headaches
Dental procedures often require keeping your mouth open for long durations, which can inadvertently lead to various discomforts. This discomfort can manifest in various ways:
- Headaches: Often, headaches after dental work are attributed to muscle strain from keeping the mouth open for an extended period or the effects of anaesthesia. These headaches usually dissipate on their own.
- Jaw Muscle Fatigue: This common post-dental complaint stems from keeping the jaw open for long durations, which can strain muscles and lead to soreness or spasms. Although this discomfort typically resolves itself, applying heat, gentle massage, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication can provide relief.
- Soft Tissue Injury Pain: Minor injuries to the gums or the soft tissues during dental procedures can cause localised pain. This may result from injection sites or accidental bites on numb tissues.
- Tooth Sensitivity: After dental work, exposed dentin or a new crown may lead to sensitivity that manifests as headaches or sharp pain in response to temperature changes or certain foods. If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist, as adjustments to the restoration might be necessary.
Unravelling the Mystery: Why a Headache After a Crown?
When dealing with a headache after receiving a dental crown, several factors might be at play:
- Bite Alteration: A new dental crown can subtly change how your teeth align, which may strain your jaw muscles. If the crown alters the natural height or position of your bite, it can introduce unexpected tension in your jaw, leading to headaches.
- Position of Crown: An ill-fitted crown that doesn’t align properly with your bite can create continuous discomfort. A crown that is too high, for instance, places excessive pressure on one area, disrupting the balance of your jaw and possibly causing headaches.
- TMJ Disorders: A misaligned crown can exacerbate issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge connecting your jaw to your skull. This can lead to increased strain and overactivity in this joint, triggering discomfort and headaches. If your crown impacts how your teeth come together, it can make TMJ symptoms worse, especially if you clench or grind your teeth.
Finding Relief: How to Treat a Headache from a Crown?
If you find yourself struggling with a headache after receiving a dental crown, there are several remedies to consider.
Initially, over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective for managing discomfort. Additionally, applying a cold compress to the temple or the jaw area can provide some immediate, localised relief from pain and inflammation.
Importantly, if headaches persist, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist. This is because an improperly fitted crown will only continue to cause ongoing piercing headaches.
Whether it’s after receiving a temporary crown while the permanent one is being created or shortly after a new dental crown is implanted, a headache can raise concerns. Sometimes, a bad crown might be the culprit behind such discomfort. Therefore, if you notice persistent headaches in the week following crown placement, it’s advisable to revisit your dentist. A dentist can adjust the crown or prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to address any underlying issues directly related to the dental work.
Remember, timely intervention can prevent further complications, ensuring your dental crowns and any related treatments, such as root canal treatments, are successful and pain-free.