If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, you may be wondering what the procedure feels like and whether it will be painful. The good news is that getting a dental crown is a routine dental treatment designed to restore and protect damaged teeth, and it is typically not painful. Modern dental techniques and local anesthesia help ensure that the process is comfortable for most patients.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. Dentists commonly recommend crowns for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, worn down, or have undergone a root canal.
Because crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, they provide both functional and cosmetic benefits.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The dental crown process usually takes two appointments. During the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth so the crown can fit properly. Before any work begins, the dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. This prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the dentist reshapes the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel. This creates space for the crown to fit securely. After the tooth is shaped, impressions or digital scans are taken so a custom crown can be created in a dental lab. A temporary crown is then placed to protect the tooth until the permanent one is ready.
During your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is carefully fitted and bonded into place.
Is There Pain After the Procedure?
Most patients experience little to no pain after getting a dental crown. However, it is normal to feel some mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days, especially around the gums. This is usually due to the tooth preparation process and should improve quickly.
Your tooth may also feel slightly sensitive to hot or cold foods at first. Over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods can help manage this temporary sensitivity.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While discomfort is typically mild, you should contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, a crown that feels loose, or a bite that feels uneven. These issues are uncommon but can be easily corrected with a quick adjustment.
For most people, getting a dental crown is a comfortable and straightforward procedure. With local anesthesia and modern dental techniques, the process is designed to be as painless as possible. Any minor sensitivity afterward usually fades within a few days.
About the Practice
Do you have a damaged tooth that’s beyond being saved by a filling? That’s where dental crowns come in, and at Smile by Design of Virginia Beach, we can outfit you with one to restore your smile. Not only that, but we pride ourselves on listening to our patients and taking the time to get to know them to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable experience at our office. Ready to get started? Book online or call (757) 499-9639.