How painful is a dental crown procedure?

Dental crowns may be recommended if your tooth is damaged or broken due to dental trauma or decay. They are used to improve your smile and strengthen your teeth structure. However, if you are worried whether the procedure will be painful. According to our dentist, in 33713, dental crown treatment can be a little uncomfortable. But thanks to advances in dental treatments, discomfort can be minimized to make the procedure pain-free and pleasant.

Dental Crown Procedure

Getting a dental crown procedure from a dentist near you typically requires two visits regardless of whether the crown is for your molars or incisors. The first step that the dentist includes during the process is to numb the tooth being restored. This will ensure that the procedure is painless and comfortable for the patient. The numbing will consist of local anesthesia being injected into the gums surrounding the tooth.

On the first visit, our dentist will examine the tooth that requires the crown to check for any infections. If the tooth is damaged or broken and with no trace of infections, you may have the crown installed after the dentist files the top and the side of the tooth. Next, the tooth will receive an impression which is then later sent to a dental laboratory for dental crown fabrication. Meanwhile, you will have a temporary crown placed on the tooth for protection until the permanent one is ready.

During the second dental visit, your dentist will begin the procedure by removing the temporary crown and checking if the permanent is the correct shade and a good fit. If everything is okayed, the dentist will use special dental cement to bond the permanent crown on your tooth. The crown will be able to last for over a decade.

After the procedure and the anesthesia has worn off, you may experience some sensitivity and a minor soreness around the gums, which will be minimal and won’t last for long. Discuss the matter with your dentist if you experience pain after the procedure.

Additionally, take the prescribed painkillers for a day or as directed to remedy the discomfort. Place an ice pack or a cold compress on your cheek to relieve the soreness or swelling. Avoid taking extremely cold or hot food substances and tough or chewy foods for a few days.

Reasons Why You May Experience Pain After Getting a Dental Crown

Here are reasons why you may experience pain after the crown is placed

• Infections. If a root canal procedure wasn’t done before your crown placement, your tooth still has its nerves. And the crown may pressurize the damaged nerves or causes an infection. Alternatively, an infection may result from an old filling beneath the crown that may leak in the bacteria and cause an infection. Indicators of an infected tooth include pain while biting, gum swelling, fever, and temperature sensitivity.
• Tooth Decay Under the Crown. Your tooth will remain alive even after crowning. Hence, cavity or tooth decay can form near the birth of the tooth and the crown and cause persistent pain. If the cavity may expand to the dental pulp, you may require a root canal procedure.
• Ill-fitted Crowns. A poorly fitted crown will cause discomfort and affect your smile and bite. If you experience pain while biting down, it indicates that the crown has been laced too high on the tooth. Dental crowns must be adjusted into a bite similar to that of your natural teeth. An abnormal bite can lead to jaw pain and headache.
• Bruxism. Clenching and grinding your teeth while asleep can stress the crown placed, causing pain and discomfort.
• Recessed Gums. You may experience pain or sensitivity on the crowned tooth if gum recession exposes the tooth’s root. Gum recession is caused by harsh brushing, increasing the risk of gum infections.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are a standard solution to repair severely damaged teeth. While you may experience slight discomfort immediately after the procedure, the pain is usually minimal and can be managed. If you have concerns about undergoing dental work, discuss the pain management options with your dentist. For dental crowns near you, visit us at Flash Dentspa in St. Petersburg, FL.