Are you anxious about getting a dental crown? You’re not alone. Many people feel nervous or apprehensive about this procedure.
But is it really painful? And what can you expect during and after the appointment?
Keep reading to find out.
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Does it Hurt to Get Dental Crowns?
Many people are unsure about whether dental crowns hurt. The short answer is that dental crowns usually don’t hurt, but there can be some discomfort involved during the procedure.
Your tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic at the start of the process. This will help ensure you don’t feel any pain during the dental crown procedure. However, you may feel some pressure as your tooth is being prepared for the dental crown.
Once your dental crown is in place, you may feel slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new dental work. The good news is that this discomfort is usually temporary and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
In most cases, dental crowns are not painful and can help to restore your smile.
Can You Expect to Feel Pain During Recovery?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after having a dental crown procedure. The degree of discomfort you feel during the recovery period and how long it lasts will depend on your sensitivity to pain and the type of dental crown procedure you had.
Discomfort from a dental crown procedure usually lasts two to three days. Most patients take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve any pain.
Your dentist may prescribe a stronger pain reliever if the pain is more severe.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and advice for taking pain relievers and not to take more than recommended. Taking too much of a pain reliever can result in serious side effects like stomach ulcers and kidney problems.
Contact your dentist if you’re still experiencing pain after a few days. They may need to adjust the dental crown or make other changes to help relieve your discomfort.
What Can Cause Pain in a Tooth with a Crown?
There are a few different reasons why you may experience pain in a tooth with a dental crown. Here are some of them:
- Existing Dental Condition:
It’s important to note that the dental crown procedure generally does not cause any pain. However, if you have an existing dental condition, such as tooth decay or periodontal disease, you may experience some discomfort during the procedure. If tooth decay or a damaged tooth is present, a root canal procedure may be needed first. - Poorly Fitted Dental Crown:
If the dental crown, or even a temporary crown, is poorly fitted to the natural tooth, it can cause pain when you bite down or chew. In some cases, the tooth crown may also come loose, which can be painful. - Infection:
The dentist will examine your tooth roots and the surrounding tissues to check for infection. If you have an infection in your tooth, it can cause pain. The signs of infection include fever, swelling, and redness. - Nerve Damage:
If the dental crown procedure damages a nerve, it can cause jaw pain, numbness, and tingling. In some cases, the damage from a traumatised nerve is permanent. - Tooth Sensitivity:
After getting a dental crown, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This is usually temporary and should go away after a few weeks. - Inflammation:
The dental procedure can cause inflammation and irritation of the nerves in the tooth. In most cases, the pain is temporary and will resolve on its own. However, there are some cases where the pain may be more severe and last several days or longer. - Bruxism:
Bruxism is a condition where you grind or clench your teeth. This can cause the dental crown to become loose. The loose crown can then cause pain and sensitivity. If you experience pain in a dental crown, it’s important to see your dentist immediately so that they can adjust the crown’s fit or provide other forms of treatment.
How is Dental Crown Pain Treated?
Dental crown pain is treated much like other dental pain through a combination of at-home and professional dental care.
To begin with, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to ease dental crown pain. Sometimes, tooth crown pain can also be treated with home remedy solutions such as ice packs or wet towels.
Dental crowns may need to be removed and replaced for more severe pain. A dentist or oral surgeon can do this.
If the dental crown is not causing pain but is instead loose or damaged, it can be repaired with dental cement or adhesive. In some cases, the entire tooth may need to be extracted.
Dental crown tooth pain treatment will vary depending on the individual case.
How Can You Prevent Dental Crown Pain?
Dental crown tooth pain can be caused by several factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bruxism (tooth grinding).
While dental crowns are designed to protect your teeth from further damage, they can sometimes cause temporary discomfort and pain.
If you’re experiencing dental crown tooth pain, you can do a few things to prevent it.
- It is important to take special care of your dental crown and keep it clean. This means having a dental care routine of brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks.
- You should also avoid hard and sticky foods and drinks that can damage your dental crown.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help to prevent tooth damage and pain.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice on the dental crown.
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products because they can damage the dental crown and cause pain.
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure good oral health.
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In most cases, dental crown pain is temporary and should resolve within a few days. By taking these preventive measures, you can help to reduce dental crown pain.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are a common and effective treatment for dental decay and other conditions. In most cases, they are placed without incident and cause little or no discomfort.
However, as with any dental procedure, there is always a risk of complications, including pain.
At AP Dental, we want to ensure that our patients have the best possible experience with their dental care, so please book an appointment through our website or call us at (08) 6156 4364 if you are experiencing pain after getting a dental crown. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on the type of crown, the material used, the dentist’s skill, and the location.
Temporary crowns tend to be less expensive than permanent crowns, but the average cost of a dental crown ranges from $1,600 to $1,900 per tooth. On the one hand, both ceramic and porcelain crowns can cost up to $2,100.
Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, so it is important to check with your insurance provider to see if you have coverage.
It is possible for dental crowns to fall off, but this is not a common occurrence.
If a dental crown does fall off, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible so the crown can be re-cemented or replaced.
Dental crowns are typically needed when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or cracked.
Dental crowns are also good for a weak tooth.
A dental crown can also be used to support a dental bridge or to cover a dental implant.
It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits when you have a dental crown. This means brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.
It is also important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
With proper care, your dental crown can last for many years.
