By Dr. Abhi Singh Dental crowns are tooth caps that cover an entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. They are a popular choice for tooth restoration, as well as for cosmetic purposes. While dental crown procedures are generally thought to be uncomfortable, the level of pain experienced by each individual depends on their pain tolerance and their oral health.
This blog post will briefly discuss what happens during this dental procedure, what you should expect, and what to avoid to help prevent pain.
What Happens During a Dental Crown Procedure?
There are two kinds of dental crown procedures: traditional and same-day crowns. Whichever treatment you choose, the dental crown placement process is relatively similar, with very few but significant differences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
- First, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums. They will also take an x-ray to determine the extent of decay or damage. Your dentist will then make a treatment plan for you.
- After the assessment, the procedure will begin with applying a local anesthetic. This will numb the tooth and the area around it.
- The damaged or decayed tooth will then be prepared for crown placement. Your dentist will shape and contour your tooth by removing tooth enamel. This will create space for the dental crown.
- After your tooth is prepared, your dentist will make an impression of it using dental putty. This will be used to create a custom-made crown for you.
- For same-day crowns, the 3D-printed or CAD/CAM-milled crown will be completed in 60 to 90 minutes and then fitted into your tooth immediately.
- Traditional crowns often require 2 to 3 weeks before they are ready to be fitted. During this time, a temporary crown will be placed to protect your prepared tooth while waiting for the permanent crown.
- Once the dental crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit and your bite. After making the necessary adjustments, your dentist will use dental cement or a special adhesive to keep it in place.
Do They Numb You During a Dental Crown Procedure?
As mentioned, your dentist will numb the area around your tooth before they start working on it. Local anaesthesia will be used, so you do not feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure when your dentist prepares your tooth, but it should not be uncomfortable.
In addition, you may feel slight discomfort after dental crown cementation. This will usually resolve in a couple of days. Your dentist may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications and give other restrictions to manage discomfort.
Am I Put To Sleep While Getting a Crown?
In some cases, a dentist may recommend sedation to help patients relax during the procedure. This is common for patients getting multiple crowns or those with dental anxiety. The type of sedation used will depend on your specific needs and can range from inhaled conscious sedation, oral sedation or intravenous (IV) sedation.
How Long Is the Recovery After a Crown Procedure?
The recovery for crown procedures usually lasts a few days, depending on the extent of tooth decay or damage. You can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and soreness during this time. That’s why you should take some precautionary measures, which your dentist will likely advise. You may also need follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your recovery, so they may see to it that everything is going well.
Are There Dietary Restrictions After Getting a Dental Crown?
During the recovery period and the days after, there are certain types of food you should avoid to maintain the lifespan of your dental crowns.
- In cases where dental cement was used, food and drinks must be avoided for at least 30 minutes after your treatment to allow the cement to harden. This will strengthen the retention of the crown to the tooth.
- Hard, sticky, chewy foods such as toffee, caramels, and hard candy must be avoided since they can cause your crowns to crack or break.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold food and beverages, which can cause tooth sensitivity after treatment.
What Are the Possible Causes of Pain After Getting a Crown?
Pain after dental crown procedures can still occur due to some reasons, such as:
- The dental crown is too high or thick
In such cases, the patient will feel that only the crowned tooth hits the opposite tooth when he bites. Discomfort or pain will be felt since excessive pressure or force will be exerted on one tooth only. - Sore gums
During the procedure, your gums might be stretched too far or damaged, causing tenderness and swelling. - Trismus
This condition is due to excessive jaw muscle contraction, resulting in difficulty opening the mouth. This usually results from having the mouth open for too long, which commonly occurs during the tooth preparation stage of dental crown treatment. - Nerve damage
There is a risk of damaging the tooth’s nerve, especially if the decay or damage is too big. This can cause persistent pain and may indicate a root canal treatment. - Infection
If bacteria enter the space between the tooth and crown, it may cause an infection leading to severe pain.
What Should I Do if There Is Prolonged Pain After a Dental Crown Procedure?
If your tooth crown pain persists for more than a week after your dental treatment, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can examine the area and determine if there are any underlying issues that they need to address. They may also recommend additional treatment, such as root canal treatment, to help manage your condition.
What Can I Do to Avoid Having Pain After a Crown Has Been Placed?
Below are some tips to avoid pain after dental crown procedures:
- Follow the advice of your dentist and take any medications prescribed to you.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once, and using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly.
- Stick to soft foods at least 24 hours after your procedure, as hard, chewy and sticky food can damage your newly placed crowns and cause pain.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to help maintain the condition of your dental crowns.
- Avoid or quit smoking, as this increases the risk of gum disease, which can affect your crowned tooth.
- Wear a night guard or a mouth guard if you suffer from bruxism. This can help protect your crowns from the forces of teeth grinding and clenching.
Final Thoughts
Tooth caps are excellent dental prostheses for restoring damaged teeth and improving the aesthetic of your smile. Although you might experience pain after a crown procedure, it should subside after a few days. To avoid any discomfort, take good care of your dental crowns and follow the advice provided by your dentist.
If you plan on getting dental crowns and have questions or concerns about it, call us to book a consultation.
Prospect Road Dental has a team of qualified dentists with years of experience performing these procedures. We equipped our dental clinic with the latest technology to help us provide quality dental care services. Your dentist will examine your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and jaw, to determine if you are a good candidate. They will discuss the procedure’s possible risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, tooth caps can last for 5 to 15 years. This depends on the materials used, the quality of the crown, the type of crown, and how well you take care of it. With proper care, their lifespan may reach 25 to 30 years.
While it can vary depending on the crown material, procedure, and your location and dentist, a single dental crown can cost up to $2,100 for both ceramic and porcelain crowns. Your private health fund may cover a portion, so check with your provider first.
There are some instances when crowns are better than veneers and vice versa. In general, crowns are better for larger areas of decay or damage as they are thicker and provide more coverage. They are often recommended for a damaged tooth that cannot be restored with dental fillings or to cover a dental implant. Similarly, they can protect a root canal-treated tooth and cover severely discoloured teeth. On the other hand, veneers may be more suitable for aesthetic preferences as they are thin and offer a more natural appearance. After evaluating your teeth, your dentist can advise you further about which treatment will suit you.
After a few days of healing, you should be able to eat normally with your crowns. Just make sure to avoid eating foods that are too hard, chewy or sticky, as these can damage the crown or cause pain and discomfort.
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