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Porcelain crowns can be either the all-ceramic type, or the
porcelain-fused-to-metal type. The type that has the metal substructure
is easier to cement, as a resin-modified glass ionomer cement can be
used. This common RMGI cement has a track record of fewer cases of
sensitivity after cementation than some other cements.

The catch is that RMGI is generally not used with all-ceramic crowns,
as the setting expansion can crack the ceramic. Thus it is a great
cement for the usual PFM (porcelain fused to metal) type of crown, as
the strength of the metal negates any expansion problems.

So why aren't all crowns of the PFM type? Well, the all-ceramic crowns
might look better on front teeth in many cases. On back teeth you can't
see as much, so often the PFM is used to obtain strength and to make
cementation simple for back teeth.

Since the color of the cement can't show through the hidden metal on a
PFM, the color of the cement for a PFM makes no difference. Thus when
you said that the color of the cement on your crown DID make a
difference, that led me to think that your crown was on a front tooth,
as only an all-ceramic crown would show the effects of the cement
color.

In any case, I'm guessing the usual RMGI cement probably wasn't used
for your crown, as your crown seems to be all-ceramic.

To cement an all-ceramic crown, generally an all-resin cement with a
bonding technique is used. This can be tricky as it involves more steps
to create the bonding and make the cement adhere. Any problem with the
bonding chemistry can result in sensitivity or pain after cementation.

At a recent dental conference, the lecturer mentioned that in HIS
opinion, if a crown cementation with a bonded resin cement resulted in
immediate sensitivity that wasn't there before, that continues without
abatement for two weeks, he would replace the crown with a temp, and
see whether placing a soothing temporary cement made any difference. If
the tooth got better, he would remake the crown and cement with a
different cement or technique. If the tooth didn't improve, then it's
time to consider a root canal treatment.

That's his opinion. The opinions of other dentists may agree, or
differ.

Nobody can tell over the Internet what your particular situation is. As
George has already mentioned, sometimes a tooth needs endodontic
treatment, regardless of whether a tiny filling or a large crown is
made, and regardless of what cement is used. It can be frustrating to
us all, but sometimes a tooth pulp just goes painful no matter what.

And sometimes a sensitive tooth just gets better.

Your own dentist is the best resource for guidance through the problem.
He has much better knowledge of the shape and condition of this tooth
than anyone else can have. I would advise returning to him again to
evaluate the symptoms.

Best regards,
- dentaldoc