How effective are OTC pain relievers after a dental crown procedure?

A single tooth crown procedure generally may cause a day or two of mild discomfort in the form of a dull ache or temperature sensitivity (especially cold) which is alleviated with over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or Aspirin.  In certain situations, such as if there is a large filling in the tooth or the tooth is badly damaged, the discomfort may be stronger in intensity and/or duration, in which case a stronger pain reliever may be needed.

You can have some mild sensitivity after preparation procedures for crown, but it should not be very severe. OTC pain reliever should take care of that. Strong pain could be caused by few factors. It can be that during the preparation for the crown significant amount of tooth structure was removed and there is very thin layer of the dentin covering the nerve, or nerve was exposed. Nerve exposure would cause a severe pain and in that case dentist would prescribe very strong (narcotic) painkiller, until you could be helped by endodontist. If your pain symptom do not go away in a day or two you should be reevaluated for possible root canal treatment. Take care.