“When patients return months after a crown with persistent discomfort, it’s more than a dental concern—it’s a quality-of-life issue. Pain should never be your norm. Whether it’s a bite imbalance or something deeper, there’s always a reason behind it.”As a UK-trained smile design specialist with over 15 years of experience and thousands of successful restorative cases, Dr. Jaydev understands that lingering pain under a crown isn’t always straightforward. It’s a symptom that deserves a closer look. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why your crown might hurt 6 months later, the symptoms to watch for, and what steps you should take next—always with expert insights and a global perspective.
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Many patients report no issues after receiving a dental crown. However, delayed onset pain does occur, especially if underlying issues were overlooked during the initial procedure.
Dr. Jaydev, an accomplished dental specialist in Hyderabad, shares:
“A crown is meant to protect a tooth and restore functionality. However, if the foundation (tooth or nerve) continues to react, or if the crown doesn’t align well with surrounding teeth, symptoms may surface much later. This can happen even after the crown seemed perfectly fine for weeks or even months.”
Common Reasons for Crown Pain After 6 Months
Bite Misalignment
Even a microscopic height discrepancy in the crown can cause uneven bite force, leading to jaw strain, tooth soreness, or even headaches over time.
Nerve Inflammation or Damage
If the tooth’s nerve was close to being compromised when the crown was placed, the pulp may have become irreversibly inflamed post-procedure. This can occur gradually and may eventually require a root canal.
Crown Loosening or Microleakage
Over time, crowns can loosen due to cement failure, allowing bacteria to seep underneath and cause decay or infection. Microleakage often goes unnoticed until discomfort sets in.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Grinding—often done unconsciously during sleep—puts intense pressure on crowns. Without a night guard, this habit can quickly cause sensitivity or damage.
Gum Recession
As gums recede due to age or brushing technique, the tooth root may become exposed, leading to sensitivity and discomfort, especially to hot or cold stimuli.
Underlying Infection or Abscess
If decay was left behind or if a previous root canal wasn’t successful, an infection might be brewing under the crown—often quietly—until the pain becomes noticeable.
Symptoms to Watch For
Persistent dull ache or throbbing under the crown
Pain when biting down or chewing
Temperature sensitivity, especially to cold
Swelling or tenderness in the gums
Bad taste or smell, possibly indicating infection
Visible gum changes near the crowned tooth
These aren’t symptoms to ignore. They can escalate quickly and may signal an underlying issue that needs professional intervention.
What to Do If Your Crown Still Hurts After 6 Months
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
Don’t wait. Delayed action could turn a manageable issue into a costly repair.
Get X-rays
Intraoral X-rays can help detect hidden infections, decay beneath the crown, or bone changes.
Check for Bite Balance
Dentists can use articulating paper to check your bite and adjust the crown’s contact points.
Consider a Root Canal
If nerve inflammation is irreversible, a root canal may be the only option to eliminate pain and preserve the tooth.
Replace the Crown if Needed
Sometimes, the best solution is to start fresh with a properly fitted new crown.
“While some minor post-placement discomfort can resolve in days or weeks, pain that starts months later typically won’t resolve without intervention. If the source is infection, misalignment, or nerve damage, postponing care may lead to further complications, including tooth loss. Pain is your body’s way of flagging a problem—never ignore it.”
Preventing Crown Pain in the Future
Choose a skilled and experienced provider: Precision matters.
Get regular dental checkups: Minor issues can be caught before they escalate.
Use a night guard if you grind your teeth at night.
Brush and floss consistently around crowns to prevent gum issues and decay.
Follow all aftercare instructions post-crown placement to minimize complications.
“Pain prevention begins long before the discomfort sets in. From exact tooth prep to bite adjustment and material selection, every step matters. Trust in expertise and proactive care.”
Final Thoughts
A crown should restore your quality of life, not cause trouble. If you’re still wondering, “Why does my crown hurt 6 months later?”—it’s time to listen to your mouth and take the next step. Pain isn’t meant to linger, and with the right care, it doesn’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a crown to hurt months later?
No, it isn’t considered normal. Persistent or delayed pain often signals that something isn’t functioning correctly, such as bite issues, nerve problems, or underlying decay.
How do I know if my dentist messed up my crown?
Red flags include ongoing pain, poor bite alignment, visible gaps between the crown and gum, or repeated adjustments without resolution. A second opinion may provide valuable clarity.
Why won't the pain go away on my crown?
Pain that lingers typically has a root cause—pun intended. This may be due to a brewing infection, undetected decay, or a misaligned crown irritating surrounding tissues.
How can you tell if a tooth is infected under a crown?
Symptoms include throbbing pain, gum swelling, sensitivity, bad breath, or a foul taste. An X-ray can confirm the presence of an abscess or bone changes.
Why does my permanent crown still hurt after 7 months?
If the pain has persisted this long, it likely indicates an unresolved issue like nerve damage, poor fit, or infection. Prompt dental intervention is critical to prevent tooth loss or systemic complications.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.