How Painful is Getting A Crown on Your Tooth?

The apprehension of discomfort during dental treatments can sometimes eclipse the advantages they offer. If you’re contemplating a dental crown, understanding the level of pain involved might be a concern. This article shares a comprehensive insight into dental crowns, examining both the procedure itself and the strategies for pain control.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a versatile and common solution for various dental issues. These crown-shaped covers are designed to restore your tooth’s size, shape, and function, and they can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. Let’s explore the various situations in which dental crowns can be your best option:

1. To Restore a Broken or Worn-Down Tooth: A dental crown can rejuvenate a tooth that has suffered from decay, injury, or normal wear and tear, restoring its initial shape and functionality.
2. To Protect a Weak Tooth: When a tooth is in danger of breaking apart because of severe damage or a fracture, a dental crown can offer the necessary structural reinforcement.
3. Cosmetic Enhancements: Dental crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. A crown can transform your smile whether you have discolored or misshapen teeth.
4. Supporting Dental Implants: Crowns are often used to cover dental implants, allowing them to blend with your natural teeth seamlessly.
5. Keeping a Dental Bridge in Place: If you have a dental bridge, crowns are crucial in securing it in the right position.
6. Reinforcing a Tooth with a Large Filling: A crown can provide the necessary support when a tooth has a substantial filling and limited natural tooth structure.

Exploring the Types of Dental Crowns

In the realm of dental crowns, there are two main varieties to choose from:

1. Permanent Crowns: These are typically crafted from various materials, including stainless steel, metal alloys like gold, all-resin mixtures, and all ceramic or porcelain fused to metal. Your choice of material often depends on factors like budget, aesthetic preferences, and medical history.
2. Temporary Crowns: Dentists commonly use temporary crowns as a placeholder while you await your permanent crown. These temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic-based or stainless steel materials.

The Procedure: Is it Painful?

The process of getting a dental crown near you is a two-step procedure that is typically very manageable in terms of discomfort. At the first appointment, your Spirit Lake dentist will inspect and ready the tooth for the crown. Fortunately, they will apply anesthesia to both the tooth and adjacent gum area beforehand, making sure you experience no discomfort throughout the process. The shaping of the tooth to accommodate the crown is generally a painless process.

“After preparing your tooth, a temporary crown is fitted for protection while your permanent crown is being crafted, typically requiring about two to three weeks. It’s essential to understand that this initial step is virtually painless and relatively straightforward.

After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity. This is entirely normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. However, if this discomfort persists, it may indicate that the crown is too high on the tooth, which can impact your bite. In such cases, contacting your dentist to adjust the crown’s placement can alleviate any lingering discomfort.

A Comfortable Experience Awaits

Getting a dental crown should not be a significant concern regarding pain. The procedure is designed to restore your tooth’s function and appearance, and any potential discomfort is generally minimal and manageable. If you have any questions or concerns about getting a dental crown, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist near you.

For top-notch dental care and expert advice on dental crowns, contact a dentist in Spirit Lake, IA, at Great Lakes Dental Associates. Our proficient team prioritizes your dental well-being and comfort. Let concerns about pain not deter you from achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.