Do dental crowns hurt you? Don’t worry; it’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about bigger procedures.
As the go-to provider of dental crowns in Palm Beach Gardens, Mark. L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A. takes patient comfort seriously. Keep reading as these dental professionals discuss crowns and alleviate their patients’ common concerns.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are like snug caps that cover and protect your tooth to restore its shape and strength. Dentists often make these crowns out of ceramic, porcelain, or metal alloys.
Why not just use a filling? Crowns cover a larger area, so they work better for severe cracks, large cavities, or after root canals. Generally, dentists will never recommend large composite fillings because they easily turn into a wedge that’s uncomfortable when you chew and can create new fractures if you put concentrated pressure on it for too long.
What To Expect During a Crown Placement
The reality is often not as daunting as people imagine. Familiarize yourself with the procedure below so that you won’t feel nervous when the big day comes.
Preparation
Your dentist will always treat present decay first. A crown covering bacteria could mean it spreads and infects healthy tissue. Think of these cleanings like disinfecting a wound before putting on a bandage.
First, the patient receives local anesthesia to numb the area. Most people only feel a slight pressure, not pain. Your dental specialists will use a high-speed drill to carefully remove the infected material and shape the tooth for the incoming crown.
Taking Impressions
Do dental crowns hurt? Getting the shape or size wrong could make biting uncomfortable and create problems with jaw alignment. That’s why dentists create impressions that capture every minute detail.
Traditionally, the dentist would bring out a soft, putty-like material called alginate, which you would bite down on and hold in place for a few moments. It’s a perfect mold of your mouth once the material fully sets. Of course, dentists now streamline this process with CAD-CAM technology and digital imaging software, creating a 3D model of your crown area for precise measurements (and one less mouthful of putty!).
Fitting
The next step is for the dentist to send the impression to a specialized lab for crafting your crown. A temporary crown lets you eat and talk comfortably.
Two to three weeks later, the crown should be ready. Your next visit will involve removing the first cap and placing the permanent one with exactly the right fit, color, and comfort.
Managing Crown Post-Procedure Discomfort
Do dental crowns hurt afterward? While the crown heals, it might. It’s completely normal for the tooth’s nerve endings and surrounding gums to feel sore, but the following reduces sensitivity:
- Milder diet: You can eat and drink fairly soon after the crown procedure, but stick to softer foods. Avoid anything too hot or cold for a while.
- Sensitivity toothpaste: Blocking pain sensors and desensitizing nerve endings are worth a try if your mouth is uncomfortable.
- Good oral hygiene: Infections hurt. Keep brushing and flossing gently at least twice a day after the crown placement.
- Medicine: Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers for pain management, especially if you have a history of dental sensitivity. Follow their guidance for prescribed treatments to the letter for the best results.
When Should You Book a Follow-Up Appointment?
The recovery period should take no more than a week. If you have persistent pain or swelling, be on the safe side and let your dentist review the crown’s healing. Irregular bite patterns are the most common culprit here, as you chew or bite with a misaligned tooth.
The Sunshine State’s Center for Reliable Dental Care
So, do dental crowns hurt for long? Not with a reputable specialist like Dr. Civin. He has over two decades of experience bringing tailor-fit treatments to dental patients in Palm Beach Gardens.
Read about the basics of taking care of dental crowns, or call Mark. L. Civin, D.D.S., P.A. at 561-624-2224 today!
