Do Crowns Hurt?
by Stead Willis
Pain during a dental procedure is a common concern for patients. Unfortunately, the fear of pain often deters people from seeking needed dental care, even if it means the difference between saving a tooth or eventually losing it.
For this reason, it is essential to separate fact from fiction and learn the truth behind the process, even when it comes to a simple procedure like getting a crown.
We’d like to take some time to explain the process and whether getting a crown hurts.
Understanding dental crowns
Dental crowns are a popular dental restoration option to repair and protect damaged teeth. They consist of a cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth.
We place the cap over the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are made of various materials, including:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Metal alloys
- Combination of these materials
The crown placement process
Understanding the crown placement process will help us answer the question, “Do crowns hurt?” We take every necessary step to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Typically, getting a standard dental crown involves two visits to the dentist.
During the first visit, we complete the prep work for the crown, which involves removing any decay or damage and reshaping the tooth to accommodate the restoration.
An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory to create a customized crown. In the meantime, our dentist may place a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to protect it.
During the second visit, our dentist will remove the temporary crown and then bond the permanent crown to the remaining tooth using dental cement.
On the other hand, you may opt for a same-day crown, where we complete the entire process in one visit eliminating the need for impressions and lab work. Instead, we use a specialized device that creates the crown onsite.
Dispelling the myth: do crowns hurt?
Contrary to popular belief, getting a dental crown is usually not painful because our dentist will take various measures to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Before work begins, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area to ensure you won’t feel pain or discomfort.
Additionally, advancements in dental technology and techniques have made the crown placement process more precise and efficient, minimizing discomfort.
Moreover, digital imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies make fabricating a crown more accurate, reducing the need for extensive adjustments or discomfort.
Post-crown placement
After the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort around the treated tooth and gum area. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort. However, if you experience persistent pain or discomfort, contact our dentist, as it could indicate an issue that needs attention.
Ultimately, getting a dental crown is generally not painful. The use of local anesthesia, advancements in technology, and the expertise of dental professionals all contribute to a comfortable and successful crown placement.
We hope since you now know about the pain level, or lack thereof, during a dental crown, you’ll schedule that visit.
And as always, if you have any concerns or questions about getting a dental crown, please consult Stead Willis, DMD, who can provide personalized guidance and address any specific needs or anxieties.
Or:
- Call us at: 919-286-2235
- Email us at: appointments@steadwillisdmd.com
Our Broad St. location makes us convenient for the residents of Durham, NC, but we’re also near Chapel, Carrboro, Butner, Raleigh, and Cary.
