Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?

You’re at the dentist’s office for a regular checkup, and things seem to be going well—that is, until your dentist informs you that you’ll need a dental crown! You’ve heard of crowns before but you’re not quite sure what they are, and you immediately begin to wonder if this process is going to hurt. Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns and why you shouldn’t worry at all if you need them.

What Are Dental Crowns Used For?

Dental crowns are protective caps that cover your whole tooth above the gumline. They act as special armor for your teeth, safely sealing them inside and protecting your enamel. They have many uses including:

• Protecting a damaged or decayed tooth
• Covering a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Protecting a tooth that’s undergone root canal therapy
• Securing a dental bridge
• Protecting a dental implant

Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?

Even if you’re impressed with the many applications that dental crowns have, you still might be wondering if the procedure is painful. You don’t need to fret; the tooth/affected area is completely numbed prior to treatment. Your dentist can also apply a jelly that numbs the skin around the anesthetic injection site. While your crown is being placed, you won’t feel a thing!

Right after receiving your crown, there’s a chance you might experience some slight pain and tenderness in the affected area, but this is natural and should only last for the following week at most. Your body’s responding to the adjustment that’s been made inside of your mouth. Most of this soreness stems from the anesthetic injection site, rather than the crown itself. Over-the-counter painkillers can provide relief for this pain in most cases, but if your crown is causing serious discomfort and remains throbbing for a day or two, contact your dentist immediately.

Once you receive your crown, painful problems can also develop if you fail to take care of it. Oral bacteria can easily grow in and around your crowns if you don’t keep them clean. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste but be gentle around any tender areas.

If you’re worried about receiving a dental crown, you should know that your dentist will take many measures to ensure that it’s a comfortable and pain-free experience for you. The crown isn’t supposed to be painful—it’s supposed to save you from painful problems down the road!

About the Practice

Desert Springs Dental is proud to serve patients and families in the Gilbert area! The practice is led by Dr. Shandy S. Condie, who received her DDS from the Creighton School of Dentistry and is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association. Dr. Condie has over 20 years of experience in a wide variety of fields and would be happy to answer any questions you might have about dental crowns. Feel free to reach out or schedule an appointment through her website or by phone: (480) 279-3100.