“Why is my tooth sensitive to cold after a crown?”

The tooth has had surgery. By removing the enamel, you remove part of the insulation if you will and are exposing the dentin. When you cement the crown to the dentin it can cause sensitivity from the acid or even over drying the tooth before cementation. Remember why you need the crown in the first place! Many times it’s from neglect , excessive decay, large restorations, or fractures. All of these factors contribute to post op sensitivity. Patience

Hello,

A large majority of patients have temperature sensitivity after any new filling and especially a crown. The tooth has a nerve if it doesn’t have a root canal completed. So, when a tooth is drilled on (although your tooth is numb)… the tooth doesn’t necessarily like it. And reacts to temperatures hot and cold usually for only a few days, but can last as long as 6 months…getting less sensitive every month. Many variables to say the least that would take hours to detail. That’s the fast, generic answer, and I wouldn’t worry just yet. Definitely ask your dentist for a follow-up if pain or sensitivity increases going forward. Also, avoid extreme temperatures (coffee or ice cream, etc.) during the entire time you have symptoms until they pass.

Dr. J

Cold sensitivity is often a response to trauma, yes even Dentistry is traumatic but the healthy tooth should recover and become less sensitive. All natural teeth should respond to cold normally but hypersensitivity = trauma. ** if the sensation doesn’t go away quickly (lingers for minutes) then there might be concerns over the health of the tooth.

Your bite is probably a little off. When you grind too hard on a new crown (or filling), the tooth will become sensitive to cold, temperature change, or biting. A small adjustment to the porcelain is needed. The newer porcelains are very hard and won't adjust on their own. Call your dentist to get an appointment to get your crown adjusted. During the appointment bite hard and grind your teeth so the proper adjustments are made.

No matter how careful we are in preparing a tooth for a crown, the process is traumatic for the pulp of the tooth. There is often a bit of inflammation from the drilling and manipulation of the area. It usually goes away in a short while. Also, if the bite is just a little bit too high, you will have that sensitivity until it's adjusted. Of course, if the tooth has had a root canal, there is no chance of temperature sensitivity at all.

Dr. Conrad

Any treatment to a tooth can leave it slightly sensitive for a short time. (Maybe it doesn't feel so short while you are enduring the sensitivity.) If the crown is in the way of your bite, that can cause it to be cold sensitive. Ask your dentist to double check the "occlusion" or bite.