If you’re preparing for a dental crown, it’s only natural to have concerns. “Do dental crowns hurt?” is one of the most common questions we hear from patients here at Najmi Dental. It’s understandable—anything involving dental work can sound intimidating. But rest assured, modern dentistry has evolved leaps and bounds to ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible.
Let’s break down what you can expect when getting a dental crown and address the pain factor once and for all.
What Exactly is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically used for teeth that are cracked, worn down, or weakened by decay. They can also protect teeth that have had root canal treatment. In other words, crowns are a critical part of keeping your smile both functional and looking great!
The Procedure – Does it Hurt?
The actual process of getting a dental crown isn’t painful, thanks to local anaesthesia. Here at Najmi Dental, our skilled team ensures that your mouth is numb before we start the procedure. You’ll feel pressure during the process, but it won’t be painful.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:
- Numbing the Area – The first step is applying a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This ensures you won’t feel pain, just some light pressure. For many, this step feels similar to getting a filling.
- Shaping the Tooth – Next, we’ll reshape your tooth to make space for the crown. This can involve filing it down or building it up with a filling material. This stage is typically pain-free since your mouth is still numb.
- Taking Impressions – After reshaping, we take an impression of your tooth, which helps us design a crown that fits perfectly. This part of the procedure is completely painless.
- Fitting the Temporary Crown – Before the permanent crown is ready, you’ll wear a temporary crown. It’s a protective measure to ensure your tooth remains safe while waiting for the final crown. This part is also pain-free, though you may feel a bit of discomfort with the temporary crown, especially if you bite down hard.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Once your permanent crown is fitted, some patients may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity. It’s usually related to the gum or tooth adjusting to the new addition. However, this discomfort is generally mild and temporary. Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen typically takes care of any minor soreness.
We also recommend that patients avoid sticky or hard foods immediately after getting their crown, as the cement used needs time to fully set.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
The good news is that dental crowns, in most cases, don’t hurt. If you experience any pain after the numbing wears off, it’s usually minimal and can be managed with painkillers. At Najmi Dental, we take every step to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible, both during and after your visit.
Should pain persist, it’s essential to reach out to us. While it’s rare, ongoing pain could indicate an underlying issue, such as the crown being too high, or sensitivity due to exposed nerves, especially if a root canal wasn’t performed.
Looking After Your Dental Crown
Once you’ve had a crown placed, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can prevent further complications. At Najmi Dental, we provide ongoing care for all our patients, ensuring your crowns—and your smile—stay in top shape for years to come.
Conclusion
Dental crowns don’t have to be painful or intimidating. With modern techniques and the right dental practice, like Najmi Dental, you can achieve a healthy, confident smile with minimal discomfort.
If you’re considering a dental crown or have more questions about the procedure, Contact us we’re always here to help.
