Is the Dental Crown Procedure Painful?

If you have a tooth that is broken or damaged due to decay or the effects of previous treatments, your dentist may recommend a dental crown.  The great news is that once this procedure is complete, your tooth will become stronger and more attractive—but the question many patients have is, is it painful?

The good news is that getting a dental crown does not usually cause discomfort thanks to the use of local anesthesia. However, to further reduce discomfort, water is used together with high-speed instruments during preparation, and a temporary crown is placed on the prepared tooth until the final crown is crafted.

Proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups may also help minimize the risk of pain associated with dental crowns. Here’s a more in-depth look at the issue of dental crowns and pain.

Is There Discomfort Associated with Getting a Dental Crown?

Numbing of the tooth being restored is usually the first step in placing a dental crown. This is to ensure that the process of preparing the tooth for the crown is as painless and as comfortable as possible. This typically involves injecting the gums with lidocaine or another local anesthesia.

It’s worth noting, however, that getting a dental crown involves several steps, some of which may cause pain or discomfort. These include:

• Building the foundation for the crown such as reshaping the tooth or eliminating excess gum tissue that may be in the way of the restoration.

• If you need a root canal before you get the crown fitted, you may experience pain if you’re not anesthetized or if you don’t have painkillers to help.
• Taking impressions for the creation of the crown, as well as fitting the temporary and permanent crowns, may also cause some discomfort.

Nonetheless, your dentist will always try his best to ensure a dental crown procedure is as comfortable as possible. Once treatment is complete and the anesthetic has worn off, you may experience some sensitivity with the temporary crown or a little soreness in the gums around the affected tooth. Fortunately, this discomfort is very minimal and typically doesn’t last long. It is also usually well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

Sedation Dentistry Options

For patients who are anxious or afraid, or who have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation dentistry may help make dental crown treatment more comfortable. There are several options available depending on your level of anxiety, including nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. If you would like to learn more about these treatments and see if you are a good candidate, speak to your dentist prior to your dental crown procedure so that arrangements can be made in advance.

Pain After the Dental Crown Procedure

Sometimes you’ll experience pain long after the dental crown is placed, and the area has healed completely. If this happens, you should treat it as an emergency and contact your dentist as soon as possible. Ongoing pain after a crown procedure could be caused by any of the following:

• Tooth misalignment, especially if you are struggling with tooth grinding or bruxism.
• Nerve damage, which could be caused by excessive pressure from an improperly fitting crown.
• Growth and accumulation of bacteria around the crown, or a new cavity forming underneath.

When you visit your dentist for an urgent appointment, the first thing they will typically do is to check if you’re suffering from bruxism, which frequently occurs at night. Signs of teeth grinding may include pain when you wake up, tight jaw muscles, and swelling. It may also cause excessive wear on your teeth, or unexplained cracks or chips in the enamel.

To help avoid complications after getting a crown, it is important to continue following a strict oral hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing as well as regular, preventive checkups and professional cleanings from your dentist.

In Summary

The dental crown procedure is a safe, effective way to restore the function of a damaged or cracked tooth. Although many people are apprehensive about undergoing this procedure because they believe it may be painful, the truth is that your dentist will ensure it is as pain-free and as comfortable and possible.

It is important to remember that while you may experience some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, it shouldn’t last for long and is generally well managed with the help of over the counter or prescribed pain relievers. Should you experience anything unusual with your crown, please contact your dentist immediately for a comprehensive examination, and be sure to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and preventive check-ups going forward.

About Dr. Cline

Dr. Brent Cline earned his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University – Idaho and his dental degree at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Since graduating, he has amassed more than 70 hours of continuing education, far exceeding the state’s minimum requirements. He is also proudly certified to provide IV sedation in the State of Idaho, empowering his patients to feel calmer and more comfortable during treatment. To schedule an appointment for a dental crown, visit our website or call 208-487-5987.