Are Dental Crowns Painful? What Greenacres Patients Should Expect

Dental Crowns Greenacres

Dental crowns are an effective way to treat damaged or rotten teeth. The top concern an individual may have before undergoing this procedure is whether dental crowns cause pain. If you are planning dental crowns in Greenacres, it is essential to understand the process and whether it can cause pain. In this blog, we will walk you through a dental crown procedure and how a dentist can make it painless for you.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a covering placed over a compromised tooth to restore its proper size and function. This is mainly done for teeth that may have cracks, have broken down due to decay, or have received root canal therapy. A dental crown can be porcelain, ceramic, or metal and functions exactly like your own teeth. If you are considering dental crowns in Greenacres, the process involves your dentist assessing your oral condition and identifying the type of material most suited to your specific situation and the location of the tooth. Now that you know a little more about what a dental crown is, we can move on to what you can expect concerning pain and discomfort.

Is the Dental Crown Process Painful?

Although some discomfort may be involved in having a dental crown installed, it is considered a tolerable experience and can be easily managed by the patient. This is because local anesthesia is administered to prevent the patient from experiencing discomfort or pain during crown placement. You may experience some sensitivity in your gums or teeth after the procedure, particularly if the crown is fitted on a tooth with advanced decay or damage. This is usually a temporary condition, and OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort. If you experience pain or sensitivity after the procedure, contact your Greenacres dentist so your crown can be adjusted.

What to Expect During the Dental Crown Procedure?

A description of the major steps in the dental crown procedure is sequentially given below:

Initial Consultation

Before your dentist installs your dental crown, he or she has to assess your tooth in order to determine the severity of the damage using X-rays. This is an essential part of the procedure because your dentist has to know if your tooth has enough strength to hold the crown. The first time you visit, preparations will begin after the tooth has been anesthetized using a local anesthetic. You will experience a pinch or a pressure sensation as a result of applying an anesthetic, but you will feel no pain at all. After you have been anesthetized, you will feel nothing as the tooth is prepared.

Tooth Shaping and Impressions

To create space for the crown, your dentist will need to reshape your tooth. To make room for the crown, part of your tooth’s outer layer may need to be removed. Although this process may seem scary, please know that you will be numbed to the point where you cannot feel any pain when your tooth is shaped. Some people may feel pressure, but this should not hurt. After shaping the tooth, your dentist will take an impression of it. The impression of the tooth helps to prepare a customized crown that fits exactly on your tooth. For this purpose, you might feel some pressure; however, again, you won’t face much pain.

Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being made (which may take about 1-2 weeks), your dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth. The temporary crown is meant to protect your tooth and maintain its functionality until the permanent crown is ready. In some cases, you may experience some discomfort with the temporary crown.

Permanent Crown Placement

When the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will replace the temporary crown with the permanent one, which is positioned on your tooth. A permanent crown will be sized to perfectly fit your tooth while resembling your natural teeth. Once your dentist confirms it fits perfectly, your permanent crown is cemented or bonded to your tooth.

Tips for Relieving Discomfort Following a Fitted Crown

Most people experience no discomfort or pain after dental crown placement. However, it is normal to experience slight sensitivity for a couple of days after the crown is fixed. This will resolve on its own after a couple of days while the jaw adjusts to the crown. These are a couple of safety precautions a person needs to observe to not experience crown-related discomfort or pain:

Use Pain Medications as Directed

If you are experiencing any pain or soreness, you can take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to ease discomfort. However, you are advised to take the medication as directed by your dentist.

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

For the first few days after your crown is installed, it is recommended that you avoid hard or sticky foods that could irritate the crown or surrounding tissues.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

It is essential to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection and discomfort. When brushing your teeth around your crown, use extra care to avoid irritating your gums.

Follow Your Dentist’s Aftercare Instructions

Your Greenacres dentist will give you specific advice on caring for your healing crown so you are not left in pain.

Ready for a Healthier Smile? Book Your Appointment Today

It is a great place to live, and many of its citizens take pride in their oral hygiene. The warm climate of Greenacres contributes to residents spending several hours in local parks, such as Greenacres Community Park. However, for a healthy individual who loves playing games or taking part in outdoor activities, it is essential to take pride in oral hygiene. At Greenacres, dental crowns offer a healthy smile that fits your lifestyle. Dental crowns are a great way to fix chipped, broken, or decayed teeth, and for most people in Greenacres, this is a painless process. At Lake Worth Dentistry, we ensure that the process of obtaining a dental crown is easy, comfortable, and hassle-free for you. If you believe a dental crown would work for you, contact us for a consultation.

FAQs

How long does the dental crown procedure take? The dental crown procedure usually requires two visits: one for tooth preparation and impressions, and another for placing the permanent crown. Each visit typically lasts about an hour.
Will my dental crown match my natural teeth? Yes, your dental crown will be custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Your dentist will ensure that it blends seamlessly with your smile.
How long do dental crowns last? With proper care, dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the longevity of your crown.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown? After the crown is placed, most patients can eat normally. However, it’s advised to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods until your mouth fully adjusts to the crown.
Are dental crowns suitable for everyone? Dental crowns are suitable for most people with damaged or decayed teeth. Your dentist in Greenacres will evaluate your oral health to determine if a crown is the best solution for you.

Lakeworth Dentistry

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