Dental crowns are one of the most versatile treatments that there is, capable of capping off root canals, sealing cavities, or even just making a tooth more beautiful than it was before. However, if you’re the sort of person who is put off from dental care because concerns about pain, you may wonder whether discomfort could be a factor when it comes to dental crowns.
If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about how it feels to get dental crowns, and what you can expect in general from the treatment.
What Goes into Getting a Dental Crown?
Typically, a dental crown is completed across two appointments. The first involves designing the crown itself, taking an impression of your tooth and sending these designs to the lab to be milled. Your dentist will then prepare the tooth for the eventual dental crown, which involves removing a portion of your enamel to make room for the restoration.
While your crown is being milled, you’ll have to wear a temporary crown in order to protect your tooth. Then, after your restoration has been completed, we’ll call you back and put in place.
Is It Painful to Get a Dental Crown?
While the prospect of having enamel removed may not sound like a pleasant one, it’s actually nothing to be worried about. As with any dental procedure, your dentist will ensure that your mouth is numbed completely before undergoing the treatment. As a result, you’re unlikely to feel discomfort—or anything else—while your enamel is being removed.
The only time you’ll be a bit tender is while you’re wearing your temporary crown, or in the days immediately following your permanent crown being placed. However, this should be mild—stay away from foods that could irritate your tooth, make good use of over-the-counter pain medicine, and you’ll be feeling better in no time at all.
About the Author
Dr. Annie Yu has been in dentistry for over 15 years, and she still finds it enormously gratifying to be able to help her patients smile their brightest. She also makes it a point to get to know her patients as individuals, which makes it all the more satisfying when she sees the results of all of her hard work on their smiling faces. Dr. Yu received her degree from the The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and completed her residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she trained with some of the most experienced dentists in the nation.
If you have any questions about dental crowns, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (240) 332-1599.