Crown of Comfort: Is Getting Dental Crowns Painful?

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you might be wondering, “Does it hurt?” It’s a common concern for many patients, especially those with dental anxiety. However, the good news is that getting a dental crown is a relatively comfortable procedure thanks to modern dental techniques and anesthetics. If you’re still not convinced, continue reading. You’ll learn all about the dental crown procedure so you can go into your appointment with confidence.

Step 1: Numbing the Area

Before starting the procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth receiving dental crowns. This ensures you won’t feel any pain during the process. You might feel a slight pinch when the anesthetic is injected, but this is typically the most discomfort you’ll experience for the whole procedure afterward!

Step 2: Preparing Your Teeth for Dental Crowns

Once the area is numb, your dentist will begin preparing your teeth for your crowns. This involves removing any decay and shaping each tooth to fit their crowns snugly. Since your teeth and surrounding area are fully numbed, you shouldn’t feel any pain—just some pressure or vibration from the dental tools.

Step 3: Impressions and Temporary Crowns

After your teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions of them to create precise models. These are then sent to a partnered dental lab for processing. While waiting for your permanent restorations to be made (which usually takes about 1-2 weeks) a temporary crown will be placed over each tooth. Doing this protects your teeth and helps keep your smile looking great while you wait.

Step 4: Fitting Your Permanent Dental Crowns

When your permanent dental crowns are ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final step. You’ll be numbed once again, and the temporary crowns will be removed. Once a small inspection has been performed to ensure there’s no new decay or other issues, your permanent crowns will be fitted and adjusted for comfort. Your dentist will then ensure each one looks and feels natural before cementing it in place.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity after their procedure, but this is normal and usually fades within a couple of days. Until then, it can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain worsens or lasts longer than a week, call your dentist for a follow-up appointment.

While it’s normal to feel a little anxious about getting dental crowns, the modern process is designed for comfort! Thanks to advancements in dental technology, you’ll be able to get the care you need without worrying about discomfort. So, call your dentist and schedule a consultation today! Soon, you’ll be back to smiling with confidence in no time!

About the Practice

Dr. Jacob Milner and Dr. Cynthia Miller are your passionate dental team at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills. They work together, offering quality restorations to all their patients. They also provide customized treatment plans made possible by advanced dental technology and techniques. Call (410) 390-0277 to schedule a consultation or visit our website to learn more about the treatments and services we offer.