Restoring Smiles with a Dental Crown: Will It Hurt to Get?

A big fear for many people regarding their oral care is the anticipated pain. It’s easy to imagine that every service will hurt to get, especially if you’re having a tooth prepared to get a dental crown. However, this restorative treatment may be more comfortable than you imagine as your dentist works to ensure you don’t feel much of anything. Here’s what you can expect to feel more confident about the whole thing.

Will It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?

When it’s time to get a crown, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel on all sides of the tooth that needs to be restored. This part of the process helps ensure your results look and feel natural, but people are also worried about it hurting. Thankfully, you shouldn’t feel much of anything during it!

You will be thoroughly numbed beforehand and offered conscious sedation to help make it as easy as possible. However, you may feel slight pressure while your provider works. Once that’s all done, then you will get impressions taken and a temporary crown placed. A dental lab will need time to craft your final one, which can take a couple of weeks.

Once it’s ready, then you’ll have a second visit to have it placed. Afterward, you’re all set to show off your results! 

What Can I Do to Manage Any Discomfort?

After both your short-lived and permanent restoration is bonded on, it’s likely you will feel a bit sore. This is normal, and it should go away over the next few days. You can ease any tenderness you feel by trying out these tips:

• Avoid hot, cold, hard, and sticky foods for the time being, as they can increase discomfort.
• Do warm saltwater rinses to soothe inflammation in your mouth.
• Take pain relievers as needed. Just follow the instructions on the label.
• Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove plaque that can spell trouble for your smile.

Do I Need to Call My Dentist About My Discomfort?

Although feeling sore is expected, there are some cases where it can be a sign of something going awry. If it gets worse or lingers, then it’s best to call your dentist to ensure everything is all good. If you notice any signs of infection (like swelling or redness) or have trouble biting and chewing, then your provider can help ensure your results are as comfortable as they are meant to be. That way, you enjoy your restored smile for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Stephen Wardlaw earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. With well over a decade of experience under his belt, he is happy to give the Arlington community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Wardlaw is here to fix damaged or decayed teeth with reliable options like crowns. If you have questions about how he can make your treatment comfortable, schedule an appointment or call his office at (817) 572-5115.