If you’re like most humans, you try to avoid experiencing pain as much as possible. You may even steer clear of certain higher-risk activities like bungee jumping or skateboarding, so you don’t hurt yourself. When your dentist says that your tooth needs a crown, you worry—will it hurt? Is getting a dental crown painful?
Knowing more about this restoration can put your concerns to rest!
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Most often, patients need a dental crown when a tooth has suffered some amount of decay or damage beyond what a filling can repair. More advanced treatment involves removing the infected or damaged structure and replacing this lost portion with a strong dental crown.
This restoration brings back not only the tooth’s function and strength but also its appearance. In fact, most of the time, no one can tell that it’s a prosthetic over the natural tooth!
What Is the Dental Crown Process?
As with many other dental procedures, getting a crown starts with a consultation or appointment when the problem is identified. Once you and your dentist discuss your options and decide that a crown is the best choice for your smile, the process goes as follows:
- A local anesthetic is put into the mouth, numbing the area.
- If you are not already undergoing a root canal or other treatment, the tooth enamel is reduced, removing any damaged structure.
- An impression is captured of your upper and lower teeth and sent to a dental lab.
- Before you leave, a temporary crown is attached to protect the vulnerable tooth.
- When the crown is finished in a couple of weeks, you go back into the dental office for the custom crown to be placed.
Will I Feel Pain Getting a Dental Crown?
Because of the anesthetic, you should not feel pain as a result of reducing the tooth. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but it shouldn’t hurt. After the anesthetic wears off and you get back to normal, you may experience some soreness or slight tenderness in the area, but it usually wears off within a couple of days.
In addition, if you need extra help relaxing, you may want to ask your dentist about sedation options. These medications can keep you calm and at ease throughout the entire process.
In the end, receiving a dental crown shouldn’t have you worried about pain. Your dentist will ensure your comfort and will make the process as stress-free and pain-free as possible.
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, we make every effort to keep patients happy and free from pain. In addition to local anesthesia, we offer sedation choices, like nitrous oxide. However, we often don’t need this extra option because Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Stephen Boyles have proven their skill and knowledge by becoming Fellows of the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about dental crowns, you can make an appointment online or call our office at 432-685-7011.