No sane person enjoys feeling pain. Dental pain can be especially excruciating to endure, so it’s understandable if you’d like to avoid having to experience it as much as possible. But when your dentist says you need a crown, you start to worry. Does getting a dental crown hurt?
At every stage of the process, your dentist does everything they can to keep discomfort to a minimum. By looking at the steps they take before and after getting a dental crown, you can put any fear of pain to rest.
Before a Dental Crown
Prior to getting a dental crown, you may experience some pain, depending on the circumstances. While some patients have painful tooth decay, others may have chipped or cracked a tooth from an injury such as biting on something hard like ice. If you find yourself with tooth pain, regardless of the cause, seek relief by contacting your dentist’s office for an emergency appointment.
If the tooth has sustained severe damage, whether it be decay or injury, root canal therapy may become necessary. In this case, the pulp or nerve center of the tooth is removed, and the inner chamber of the tooth cleared and sealed. After that point, the tooth is ready for a dental crown. This process may seem painful, but a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area completely. You should feel comfortable throughout your time in the chair.
Preparing for a Dental Crown
Even supposing that your tooth doesn’t require root canal therapy, such as for a misshapen tooth, before the impressions can be taken for a new dental crown, the tooth usually needs to be reduced to make space for the crown. Essentially, your dentist takes away a small amount of enamel.
Again, prior to preparing the tooth for a crown, that part of your mouth shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. If necessary, your dentist may offer nitrous oxide sedation as a method to keep you calm and pain free.
After the Dental Crown Is Placed
While the permanent crown is fabricated in the lab, a temporary crown is attached to protect the vulnerable tooth. Sometimes, as the anesthetic wears off, the area where work was completed can feel sensitive or sore. However, this discomfort should fade within a couple of days and can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Once your custom crown is ready, it is bonded to the tooth, and it should feel natural and comfortable!
When you understand the steps your dentist takes to ensure a pleasant experience, the idea of getting a dental crown seems much less intimidating. In fact, you may even look forward to having a new crown!
About the Author
Originally from Dallas, Dr. Ellis Shwarts ventured to San Antonio for his advanced degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He is the owner and operator of Shwarts Family Dentistry, and one of his primary concerns is helping patients feel comfortable. He even offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for nervous patients. To learn more about getting a dental crown or taking advantage of sedation dentistry, you can contact Dr. Shwarts by calling 972-525-9283 or clicking here.