Jaw Pain After a Permanent Crown

Highlights

• Mild jaw pain is common after crown placement and usually fades within a few days.
• Bite misalignment is a frequent cause of lingering or sharp jaw pain.
• Persistent discomfort, clicking, or jaw locking should be evaluated by your dentist.
• At-home relief includes cold compresses, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relief.

Is Jaw Pain After a Crown Normal? 

Mild discomfort following a crown procedure is completely normal and often nothing to worry about. This is because your jaw and surrounding muscles may feel sore from keeping your mouth open for an extended period during the procedure. 

However, persistent, sharp, or worsening jaw pain isn’t something to ignore. It could signal an issue that needs professional attention, like an ill-fitting crown, bite misalignment, or inflammation from underlying dental concerns.

Common and Temporary Causes

• Slight inflammation or soreness from the procedure 

 It’s normal to feel mild discomfort as your gums and tooth adjust after the crown placement. 

• Jaw tension from keeping the mouth open during treatment 

 Holding your mouth open for an extended period can strain the jaw muscles, leading to temporary soreness. 

• Minor bite misalignment 

 If the crown isn’t perfectly aligned at first, it may feel off when you bite or chew. 

Less Common but Important Issues

• Crown sits too high, affecting bite 

 A high crown can create uneven pressure, causing discomfort in your bite or jaw. 

• Pressure on adjacent teeth or nerves 

 Sometimes, the crown can press against neighboring teeth or irritate a nearby nerve. 

• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) flare-up or pre-existing jaw issues 

 For patients already dealing with TMJ disorders, the procedure may trigger or intensify symptoms.

When Jaw Pain After a Crown Is Considered Normal

It’s not unusual to experience some jaw discomfort after getting a dental crown. Your body needs time to adjust to the new restoration, and mild pain or tenderness can be a natural part of the healing process. Understanding what’s normal and what’s not can help you feel more confident in your recovery.

When Jaw Pain Isn’t Normal, And What to Watch For 

Jaw pain can be more than just an occasional annoyance. It might be your body’s way of telling you something’s not right. While mild discomfort every now and then isn’t unusual, persistent or severe jaw pain could signal a bigger issue. Knowing when to seek help is important to protect your oral health and prevent small problems from escalating into something more serious.

What You Can Do at Home for Relief 

Below are some actionable remedies to help soothe your jaw. 

At-Home Remedies to Ease Jaw Pain 

• Apply a cold compress to areas with swelling or soreness to reduce inflammation. 
• Eat soft foods for a few days to avoid straining your jaw. 
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if advised by your healthcare provider. 
• Do gentle jaw stretches if recommended by your dentist or doctor. These help maintain mobility while reducing stiffness. 
• Tip: Avoid chewing gum or hard foods until the discomfort fully resolves to prevent further irritation. 

Recommended Reading: What to Eat After a Root Canal Before Getting a Crown?

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can help your jaw heal while staying comfortable at home.

How We Can Help at Mary Qian Dental Group

We understand how frustrating and uncomfortable jaw pain can be. That’s why we’re here to make the path to relief simple and stress-free.

Gentle Adjustments Make a Big Difference 

We check the fit and bite alignment using precise technology, ensuring everything functions as it should. Often, small bite adjustments can resolve jaw pain quickly and effectively, providing relief without major interventions.

Personalized Support for TMJ or Bite Issues 

If your jaw pain stems from TMJ disorders or bite misalignment, we’ll create personalized solutions tailored to you. Whether it’s a custom night guard, bite balancing, or other treatments, our goal is to ease tension and help you feel your best.

Preventing Jaw Pain After Future Dental Work 

If you’ve had jaw issues in the past or notice soreness during treatment, don’t hesitate to speak up. We’ll take additional steps to ensure you’re comfortable and offer post-care instructions to aid healing, helping prevent further discomfort after your dental work is done.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should jaw pain last after a crown is placed?

Most patients feel better within 2–3 days. If the pain lasts longer than a week or gets worse, it may be time to contact your dentist.

2. Can a crown that’s too high cause jaw pain?

Yes. If your crown is too high, it can affect your bite and strain your jaw muscles. A simple adjustment by your dentist can often fix this.

3. Should I be worried if my jaw clicks or locks after a crown?

Clicking, locking, or difficulty opening your mouth may indicate TMJ involvement. It’s best to have this evaluated, especially if symptoms persist.

4. What can I do at home to ease jaw discomfort after a crown?

Try the following:

• Apply a cold compress
• Eat soft foods
• Avoid chewing on the treated side
• Take OTC pain relief (if approved)
• Do gentle jaw stretches as tolerated