One of the biggest concerns people have regarding their oral healthcare is whether they will experience pain during their treatments. It’s understandable if you’re concerned about it as well, especially during procedures like getting a dental crown. Many patients want to know if receiving one hurts, so here’s a bit more on what you can expect and how to manage any discomfort you may feel.
What Is It Like to Get a Crown?
When your appointment for your crown comes around, your dentist will start by numbing your mouth. That’s because they will need to prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel on all sides. This part can be a bit uncomfortable, so the powerful local anesthesia (and sedation, if needed) can help make it easier. You may just experience pressure instead of outright pain.
Afterward, you’ll get impressions taken. These get sent to a dental lab, where a skilled artisan crafts your crown out of a high-quality material. The shape, color, and size will be customized to you, so it fits seamlessly. However, it takes a couple of weeks to perfect your restoration, so you will have a temporary one bonded on until the final one is ready.
How Can I Manage My Discomfort After My Procedure?
The local anesthetic you were given (and sedation) won’t make you feel much immediately after your first appointment. However, when they start to dissipate, it’s expected that you’ll have some sensitivity and minor discomfort. This is normal, and it should go away more each day. You should expect this both after temporary and final crown placement, but here are some tips to give you relief:
- Clean the restoration with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Take pain relievers as needed, just follow the directions on the bottle.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Avoid eating hot, cold, hard, and sticky foods for several days.
Should I Be Worried about Any Pain?
While minor discomfort is expected, there are some cases where it can be a sign of a complication. You should call your dentist if you are experiencing:
- Lingering or worsening pain
- Signs of infection (like redness or swelling)
- Issues with chewing and biting
Having your provider take a look and see if your crown is fitting how it should can make sure it’s as comfortable as it’s meant to be. That way, you enjoy the full benefits of having your bite back while helping your smile look its best.
About the Practice
At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh and Dr. Kim Cao. We are happy to help the local community restore their smiles with effective options like crowns. By offering sedation, we can make getting restorations like these an easier experience for you. If you want to know how we can make you more comfortable during your visit, schedule an appointment or call our office at (972) 820-7294.