Throbbing Pain After Dental Implant Crown (Common Reasons)
Category: Adult Dentistry, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health
By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: May 4, 2023
Throbbing pain after a dental implant crown is an issue that can occur due to several reasons. While it’s normal to have some discomfort after the procedure, it’s essential to know when to seek help.
Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the causes of the pain, such as irritated gum tissue, bite misalignment, tight interproximal contacts, or implant failure. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of throbbing pain after a dental implant crown and provide tips for managing it from a dentist’s perspective.
Recommended Reading: Dental Implant | The Ultimate Guide
What is a Dental Implant Crown
A dental implant crown is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to a dental implant. A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. Once the implant is placed, a crown is attached to replace the missing tooth.
Dental implant crowns are a popular option for replacing missing teeth because they look and function like natural teeth. In addition, they are a long-lasting solution, as they can last many years with proper care.
The crown and implant work together to give a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental Implant Crown Procedure
The procedure of getting a dental implant crown typically involves several steps:
- Consultation: Your dentist will examine your mouth and determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant crown.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant is placed into the jawbone during surgery. The implant will need time to fuse with the jawbone before the crown can be attached.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is placed on top of the implant. The abutment is a small connector that connects the implant to the crown.
- Crown Placement: Finally, the crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
It is normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure, but throbbing pain after a dental implant crown may indicate a problem. In addition, it is essential to contact your dentist if you are experiencing severe or persistent pain.
Recommended Reading: How Long Before Dental Implants Feel Normal? (Comprehensive Guide)
Causes of Throbbing Pain After Dental Implant Crown
What are the various reasons why you may be experiencing throbbing pain after a dental implant crown procedure?
Source: Dental Implant Prosthetics (Misch)
Bite Misalignment
When the dental implant crown is not correctly aligned with the opposing teeth, it can cause bite misalignment. This can lead to excessive pressure on the implant, causing pain and discomfort. If left untreated, bite misalignment can cause damage to the implant and surrounding teeth, as well as problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Tight Interproximal Contacts
Tight interproximal contacts occur when the dental implant crown is too close to the adjacent teeth, causing pressure and discomfort. This can lead to throbbing pain as the surrounding gum tissue and bone are compressed. In some cases, tight interproximal contacts can cause damage to the adjacent teeth and may require adjustments to the implant crown to alleviate the pain.
Recommended Reading: Can Dental Implants Get Infected? (Common Signs & Symptoms)
Gum Tissue Irritation
Gum tissue irritation can result from improperly contoured or polished dental implant crown. This can cause discomfort and throbbing pain as the irritated gum tissue swells and becomes inflamed. Proper contouring and polishing of the dental implant crown can help prevent gum tissue irritation and ensure a more comfortable fit.
Excess Crown Cement
Excess crown cement can be another cause of throbbing pain after a dental implant crown procedure. When the crown is cemented onto the abutment, removing any excess cement that may have extruded from the margins is essential. Excess cement can irritate the surrounding gum tissue if left in place, leading to inflammation or infection. This can result in throbbing pain around the dental implant crown.
Your dentist should carefully remove any excess cement during the procedure, but if any remains, it may need to be removed during a follow-up appointment to alleviate the pain and prevent further complications.
Attaching a crown to a dental implant involves securing it in place using permanent cement or screws.
Implant Failure
Although rare, implant failure can also cause throbbing pain after a dental implant crown procedure. In addition, if the implant is not correctly placed, it may not integrate with the surrounding bone, leading to implant failure and discomfort.
Other Reasons
Other reasons for throbbing pain after a dental implant crown procedure include:
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding can cause pressure on the implant, leading to pain.
- Dental Crown Problems: A poorly fitting dental crown can cause discomfort and throbbing pain.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause inflammation and pain around the implant site.
- Metal Allergy: Some people may be allergic to the metal used in the implant, leading to painful sensations.
- Infection: While infrequent, implant infections can develop around the dental implant. However, before placing a crown on the implant, it is subjected to a torque test to ensure its stability and minimize the risk of infection.
It is essential to consult with your dentist if you experience any discomfort or pain after the procedure. Your dentist can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort.
Symptoms of Throbbing Pain After Dental Implant Crown
If you have recently undergone dental implant crown delivery, it is normal to experience some discomfort and pain. Here are some common symptoms associated with throbbing pain after a dental implant crown:
Throbbing Pain
This pain can be dull or sharp and may be constant or intermittent. You may feel pain in the implant site or the surrounding teeth and gums. You should contact your dentist immediately if the pain is severe or persistent.
Swelling and Gum Irritation
Swelling and gum irritation can often occur following the placement of a dental implant crown. If the dental crown fits too tightly within or on the gums, it may cause discomfort and irritation. The dentist will often adjust the crown before delivery to prevent gum irritation. It’s not uncommon for patients to return to the clinic weeks after crown delivery for further adjustments.
Recommended Reading: 7 Symptoms of Perforated Sinus After Dental Implant
Jaw Pain and Discomfort
Jaw pain and discomfort are often encountered following dental implant crown placement. This discomfort may be felt while opening your mouth, chewing, or speaking. Jaw pain can be attributed to a misaligned bite, pressure on adjacent teeth caused by a tight fit of the dental crown, or simply getting accustomed to having a new tooth in your mouth. Generally, these symptoms should subside within a few days.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact your dentist immediately. You can manage your symptoms and recover successfully with proper care and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I alleviate the pain caused by a misaligned bite?
Visit your dentist to address the issue. They may adjust the crown or recommend specific treatments to correct the bite misalignment and relieve the pain.
What should I do if I suspect my dental implant crown is causing gum irritation?
Schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can examine the crown's fit and contour, making necessary adjustments to prevent further irritation and discomfort.
Can tight interproximal contacts be fixed if they are causing me pain?
Yes, your dentist can make adjustments to the dental implant crown to alleviate pressure and discomfort caused by tight interproximal contacts, ensuring a more comfortable fit.
My Experience & Expertise
As an experienced dentist, I’ve seen many patients face throbbing pain after dental implant crown procedures, often due to bite misalignment, gum irritation, or tight interproximal contacts. Bite misalignment puts excessive pressure on the implant, while gum irritation may stem from an improperly contoured crown. Tight interproximal contacts result from crowns being too close to adjacent teeth.
It’s vital to consult a professional if you experience throbbing pain, as your dentist or oral surgeon can identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment.
The more you know, the more healthy habits you can develop, saving you and your family from avoidable and potentially expensive dental procedures. Talk to your dental professional for more suggestions on improving oral health and check back for more blog posts and relevant information. Please share this site and let us know what else you’d like to know!