When you have a significantly damaged or weakened tooth, your dentist may suggest getting a dental crown to repair and protect it. However, some patients are worried about having a crown placed, assuming that the procedure will be painful. But is that really the case? Here is a closer look at the process of getting a dental crown and what you can expect comfort-wise.
What Happens During the Dental Crown Process?
At the start of the dental crown process, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to your mouth. Then they will prepare the tooth that will receive the crown by removing a small amount of enamel as well as any decayed areas. An impression of your tooth will be taken and sent to a dental lab. It often takes one to two weeks for the final crown to be made, so you’ll wear a temporary one in the meantime. Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll visit your dentist again to have it cemented onto your tooth.
Will It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
Throughout each step of the dental crown process, your dentist will do everything they can to help you stay comfortable. The local anesthetic will keep your mouth numb, thus ensuring that you don’t experience any discomfort while your tooth is being prepared. You can also have your mouth numbed again when the time comes to receive your permanent crown.
When the local anesthetic wears off, there may be some minor discomfort and sensitivity. Fortunately, you should be able to keep it under control with ibuprofen or a similar type of over-the-counter medication. The discomfort should gradually fade away on its own over time. (If it does not or if it seems to grow worse, be sure to call your dentist immediately.)
It should be noted that you may start to experience pain in the restored tooth long after having the crown placed. This could indicate that a dental infection has occurred; if you don’t practice good oral hygiene habits, harmful bacteria can slip under the crown and attack the tooth underneath it. Thus, in order to avoid this problem, you should make a point of brushing your teeth thoroughly every day.
Getting a crown is often necessary for protecting the overall health of your smile. If you still have concerns about the dental crown process, let your dentist know; they’ll be more than happy to review the steps that they will take to keep you comfortable in the dental chair.
About the Practice
Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, our many dental experts are bringing high-quality, personalized care to individuals of all ages. We’re known for our customer service and always put the comfort of our patients first. When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, we provide natural-looking dental crowns made out of long-lasting materials. To schedule a consultation at our office in Greensboro, visit our website or call (706) 453-1333.