Tooth Still Hurting After a New Crown or Filling? Here’s What It Can Mean
You just had a new crown or filling placed, and you expected to feel better. Instead, the tooth still aches when you sip something cold, or it twinges every time you bite down. That’s frustrating, and it’s a very common reason people call us.
The good news is that a sore tooth after dental work doesn’t automatically mean something went wrong, and it doesn’t automatically mean you need a root canal. Sometimes the tooth just needs a little time. Sometimes it needs a closer look. Below, we’ll walk through what’s normal, what’s worth checking, and how we help you find out what’s really going on, with the goal of keeping your natural tooth.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Every tooth is different, and only an exam can tell you what’s happening with yours. If you have swelling, a fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing, get care right away.
Some Soreness Is Normal at First
Placing a crown or filling is real work on a living tooth. Afterward, it’s common for the tooth to feel a bit tender for a short time. Your gums around the tooth may be sore, your jaw may be tired from being open, and your bite can feel slightly “different” while you get used to the new surface.
Mild sensitivity that slowly gets better, day by day, is usually part of the tooth settling down. What we pay attention to is pain that doesn’t fade, or pain that gets stronger.
Signs It’s Worth a Closer Look
Call your dentist or call us if you notice any of these:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the drink or food is gone, instead of disappearing in a second or two
- Pain when you bite or chew, especially a sharp pain on one spot or when you release your bite
- Throbbing that wakes you up at night or starts on its own
- Swelling, or a small bump on the gum near the tooth
- Pain that’s getting worse instead of better as the days go by
Any one of these doesn’t mean the tooth can’t be saved. It means the tooth is telling you something, and it’s worth listening sooner rather than later.
Why a Tooth Can Hurt After a Crown or Filling
In plain words, here are some of the common reasons:
- The bite is a little high. If the new crown or filling hits first when you close, that one tooth takes extra pressure every time you chew. It can feel bruised and sore.
- The filling was deep, close to the nerve. When decay reaches far into a tooth, the filling ends up near the pulp (the soft tissue with the nerve inside). The pulp can stay irritated after the work is done.
- There’s a crack under the crown or filling. Cracks can be tiny and hard to see. A tooth that needed a crown has often been through a lot already, and a crack can cause pain when biting. You can read more on our cracked tooth page.
- The inside of the tooth is irritated or inflamed. Sometimes the pulp was already stressed by old decay or older fillings before the new work was placed, and it doesn’t settle down on its own.
You can’t tell these apart by how the tooth feels, and neither can anyone else without a proper exam. That’s why the next step is an evaluation, not guesswork.
It Doesn’t Always Mean a Root Canal
A painful tooth doesn’t always need a root canal, and we will tell you honestly if yours doesn’t.
When you come in, Dr. Karmali does a careful evaluation. We use CBCT 3D imaging, which shows the tooth, the roots and the surrounding bone in three dimensions, and an operating microscope, which lets us see small details like fine cracks that can be missed with the naked eye. Together with a clinical exam, these help us understand what’s causing the pain.
Sometimes the answer is simple. If the bite is high, the fix may be a bite adjustment by your dentist. Sometimes the right advice is to give the tooth more time and check it again. And sometimes the tooth does need treatment. Whatever we find, we’ll explain it in plain language and talk through your options with you.
If you’re trying to sort out whether your symptoms point to a root canal in general, our page on signs you need a root canal goes into more detail.
If Treatment Is Needed, Our Goal Is Saving Your Natural Tooth
If the inside of the tooth is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment can relieve the pain and let you keep your own tooth. We favor saving natural teeth whenever it’s a sound option.
Many people worry that a root canal means losing the new crown they just paid for. In many cases, the treatment can be done through a small opening in the existing crown, which is then sealed. Whether that’s the right approach for your tooth depends on what the evaluation shows, and we’ll explain your options before anything is done. You can learn more about the procedure on our root canal therapy page.
We Work With Your Dentist
Your dentist is still your dentist. We send a treatment report to your dentist so they know what we found, what we did, and what comes next. That way your care stays connected, and you don’t have to be the messenger between two offices.
Your Comfort Matters to Us
If you’re nervous, you’re not alone, especially when a tooth is already sore. We take pride in treating teeth painlessly. Patients often tell us their treatment was ‘flinch free.’ We take the time to answer your questions and explain each step before we start.
No Referral Needed, and Clear Fees
You don’t need a referral to see us. We accept self-referrals, so you can call us directly. If your dentist sent you, that’s welcome too.
We believe in clear, upfront pricing. As listed on our Financial Policy page (checked Nov 2, 2026):
- Comprehensive evaluation and consultation: $195
- CBCT 3D scan, if clinically needed: $240
- Root canal treatment: starts at $1,700, depending on the complexity of your case
Dr. Karmali reviews your options and exact fees with you in writing before any treatment begins. We’re a fee-for-service practice and out of network with dental insurance plans, but if you have insurance, we’ll file your claim for you. See our Financial Policy for full details.
Finding Us
Lowry Endodontics has cared for patients in Denver since 2008. We’re at 495 Uinta Way, Suite 140, Denver, CO 80230.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Closed Friday through Sunday.
Our patients come from Lowry, Aurora, Cherry Creek and Glendale, and from around Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a tooth to hurt after a new crown?
Mild soreness for a short time after a new crown can be normal while your gums and bite settle. If the pain lingers, keeps you up at night, or gets worse instead of better, it’s a good idea to have the tooth checked.
Does pain under a crown mean I need a root canal?
Not always. Pain under a crown can come from a high bite, a crack, or irritation inside the tooth. A careful evaluation tells us what’s going on, and we’ll explain your options honestly.
Can a root canal be done without removing my crown?
Often, yes, depending on the tooth. In many cases treatment can be done through a small opening in the existing crown, which is then sealed. We’ll explain your options after your evaluation.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. We accept self-referrals, so you can call us directly. We keep your dentist informed by sending them a treatment report.
What does an evaluation cost?
A comprehensive evaluation and consultation is $195. A CBCT 3D scan, if clinically needed, is $240. See our Financial Policy page for full details.
Still Sore? Let’s Take a Look
You don’t have to wait and wonder. If your tooth is still hurting after a new crown or filling, call Lowry Endodontics at (303) 363-7668. No referral is needed, and our goal is to help you keep your natural tooth.
General information only, not a diagnosis. Please call us or your dentist about your specific tooth.