When you need any sort of dental treatment, your first question may be, “How much will it hurt?” Getting a crown is no different, but it’s a beneficial procedure that you shouldn’t delay. It can help restore your tooth in both look and function, giving you a comfortable bite once again. If you’re hesitant because you’re worried about pain, here is how it can actually relieve it in the long run.
What’s the Process of Getting a Crown?
It can take one to two appointments to get a crown, depending on whether you are getting a traditional or same-day one. Both are reliable and effective, but your dentist will help you decide which is best for you. In either case, your tooth will need to be prepared first.
Your provider will numb your mouth and give you conscious sedation (if needed) before starting. Once you give them a thumbs up, they will then remove the decay or damage causing trouble and then a small amount of enamel from the top and sides of your affected tooth. Many patients say they don’t feel any pain, but rather some pressure.
After the preparation work is done, you’ll then get impressions taken. It will create a model of your teeth that will be used to craft your custom crown. If you are getting a traditional one, then it gets sent to a dental lab where a skilled artisan sculpts it out of a high-quality material. It’ll get shaped and colored to blend in seamlessly into your smile. In the meantime, you’ll have a temporary crown placed until it’s ready in a couple of weeks.
If you are getting a same-day crown, then a crown will be modeled into the digital impression. When it’s perfect, it gets sent to an in-house milling machine, and it sculpts it out of a block of ceramic. Your final restoration will then be placed when it’s ready, and you’re all set to go!
Will I Have Pain Afterward?
With that being said, having some sensitivity or minor discomfort after your treatment is expected. It should go away more each day, but here are some ways you can find relief sooner:
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean your crown.
- Avoid hot, cold, sticky, and hard foods for several days.
- Take pain relievers as needed; be sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
Some discomfort is expected and normal for the first couple of days, but there are a few cases where it can be a sign of something going awry. You should call your dentist if:
- Any pain you feel is worsening or lingers persistently for several days.
- Showing signs of infection, redness, or swelling.
- You have issues chewing and biting with your crown.
Your dental office is here to make getting this type of restoration an easy process. They will ensure you are comfortable throughout your visit, so you can revel in the benefits of fixing up your smile.
About the Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here for the Chelsea community to get bites they feel confident in through restorative treatments, such as traditional or same-day crowns. By ensuring they are made from high-quality materials, you can trust they will be reliable and durable with the proper care. If you’re worried about this service, feel free to ask us questions by scheduling an appointment or calling our office at (734) 475-8911.