If you have been told that you need a dental crown, you might be wondering, “Does getting a crown hurt?” It is a common concern for many patients, especially if you are nervous about dental procedures.
In this blog, we will walk you through the entire process of getting a crown, what to expect during the procedure, how much pain you might experience, and how to take care of your crown afterward.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Before we talk about the pain aspect, let’s first understand what a dental crown is. A crown is an individually custom-made cap placed on a damaged tooth. It is designed to restore the tooth’s shape and size and to make it strong enough to enable you to bite and chew.
Crowns are typically used for teeth that are:
- Severely decayed and unable to be restored with a filling
- Cracked or broken
- Worn down due to grinding or other wear-and-tear factors
- After a root canal procedure
Now, let’s address the most important question on your mind: Does getting a crown hurt?
Does Getting a Crown Hurt?
The simple answer is: No, getting a dental crown should not hurt. However, some aspects of the procedure may cause discomfort, which is normal. Let’s break it down:
Before the Procedure
Before placing your crown, your dentist will ensure that your tooth is ready. In most cases, removing a bit of your enamel is necessary to fit the crown. As scary as that sounds, the good news is that your dentist has a local anesthetic that will make sure that you don’t feel a thing while they are preparing your tooth.
During the Procedure
Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will clean and shape it to ensure the crown fits properly. This step may take some time, but it should not cause pain. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, inform your dentist immediately. They can adjust the numbing medication to make you more comfortable.
After the Procedure
After placement of the crown, there may be sensitivity in the treated tooth. This is normal and, in most cases, takes only a couple of days to heal. This sensitivity is most evident when consuming hot or cold foods.
However, if the sensitivity persists, it may indicate that the crown is not fitting properly, and an appointment with the dentist may be necessary to correct the issue.
The level of pain experienced during crown placement is due to local anesthetics. The discomfort a client may experience after the procedure can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.
How Long Does the Pain Last After Getting a Crown?
Although the procedure itself is not expected to cause pain, some individuals experience discomfort or sensitivity after the crown is fixed. This usually occurs because the tooth is being prepared and is therefore sensitive for some time. This pain will resolve within a couple of days, and the individual will carry out their day-to-day activities without any issues.
If you continue to experience pain after the first few days, it is important to contact your dentist. In rare cases, a crown may not fit properly, causing irritation of the surrounding gums or even nerve pain, which would require further attention.
Pain Management Tips After Getting a Crown
To manage any discomfort after getting your dental crown, try these simple tips:
- Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain or swelling.
- Avoid Extremely Hot or Cold Foods – Your tooth might be sensitive for a few days, so it is best to avoid hot or cold foods that can trigger discomfort.
- Use a soft–bristled toothbrush; brush gently to avoid irritating the area around the crown.
- Stick to Soft Foods – Eating softer foods like soups, yogurt, or mashed potatoes will put less pressure on your new crown while it settles in.
If the pain persists for more than a few days or if you experience sharp, stabbing pain, contact your dentist for further evaluation.
How Much Do Different Types of Dental Crowns Hurt?
The type of dental crown you get can change how comfortable you feel during and after the treatment. Some crowns need more work on the tooth, while others are easier to place.
Porcelain Crowns
When getting porcelain crowns, you may feel slight pressure while the dentist reshapes your tooth. However, local anesthesia is used; therefore, you should not experience pain during the procedure. After the crown is placed, you might notice mild soreness or sensitivity as your tooth adjusts. This typically resolves quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns usually cause very little discomfort during placement. Since metal is strong, the dentist does not need to remove as much of your natural tooth. After the procedure, most people feel little to no pain. Metal crowns are durable and gentle on the tooth, facilitating recovery.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns may cause mild discomfort during placement because they often require more tooth preparation. Even so, the procedure is generally well tolerated. After placement, some people feel mild to moderate sensitivity. This sensitivity usually improves over time.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
These types of dental crowns may cause temporary discomfort during placement, as there must be space on the tooth for both the porcelain and metal components to be seated. Sometimes, when these dental materials come into contact with gum tissue, they can cause some sensitivity.
Overall, dental crown pain is usually mild and temporary, and your dentist will ensure you remain as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Conclusion
So, does getting a crown hurt? The answer is generally no! While there may be some mild pain, it is minimal compared to the benefits of restoring your tooth’s function and appearance. If you have been delaying the procedure due to concerns about pain, note that dental crowns are relatively painless.
At Precision Dental, we take the time to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process, and we will guide you at every step. If you are ready to improve your smile with a dental crown, call us today at 727-219-1369 to schedule a consultation or visit 9020 Rancho Del Rio Dr, Suite 105, New Port Richey, FL 34655.
FAQs
How long does the process of getting a dental crown take?
It usually involves two visits. The first visit is dedicated to tooth preparation. The second visit concerns the installation of the permanent cemented crown. This requires a period of one to two hours.
Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance programs will provide some coverage for crowns. This becomes even more important if the crowns are medically required. It is important to check with your insurance company for further information.
Can I eat normally after getting a dental crown?
You should be able to eat normally once the crown is placed. However, it is best to avoid extremely hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the crown to settle into place.
How do I take care of my dental crown?
Take good care of your dental crown by brushing and flossing it daily, just as you normally would with your teeth. Also, avoid biting hard substances and be careful when consuming sticky foods.