Whether you need to repair a cavity or finish up after a root canal, dental crowns are a great way to restore your teeth to a healthy, natural-looking state. However, you might be wondering if the procedure itself is painful. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry—having a dental crown placed is completely painless! Here is everything you need to know about the chance of discomfort during this restorative procedure.
How Do Dental Crown Procedures Work?
Dental crowns are restorations, that are made to cover a decayed tooth. They’re usually made of some kind of ceramic, metal, or a fusion of the two. The crown is adhered to the tooth by dental cement, which is strong enough to remain secure for over a decade. The procedure is usually completed in two appointments, one for the fitting and one for the placement.
Why Getting Dental Crowns is a Painless Process
Patients shouldn’t experience any pain during a dental crown’s placement. Your dentist will numb your mouth completely before the procedure, so much so that you likely won’t be able to feel anything for hours afterward. There are also plenty of sedation options readily available to anyone who’s uncomfortable being at the dentist’s office.
Will There Be Any Pain Afterwards?
While the procedure itself will be completely painless, your tooth may be a little tender for a few days after your crown is placed. There might be minor inflammation where the restoration meets the gum line, or within the tooth itself. This should fade fairly quickly. Finally, you might have to adjust to the way your new tooth feels—this won’t be painful, but it might feel a little awkward for a while.
If you’re concerned about discomfort after your procedure, there are some things you can do:
- Over-The-Counter Pain Meds: Ibuprofen should be strong enough to deal with recovery from dental crowns.
- Saltwater Rinse: Salt has natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties, so rinsing your mouth out with saltwater can soothe irritation from your procedure. Mix one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water, and swish it around for a few minutes.
- Cold Compress: Cold brings down swelling, so placing an ice pack on your cheek for around 20 minutes can help with recovery.
Ultimately, any discomfort you feel after your dental crown procedure will pale in comparison to the pain that led you to get the restoration in the first place. A good dentist will be sensitive to your worries, and they’ll work hard to make you as comfortable as possible.
About Our Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, we want to offer you everything you need to get your perfect smile. We have six experienced dentists working for our practice, and between them they’re prepared to address any issue you might be facing. We also have a dedicated dental staff that will help you through every step of crafting your restoration, alongside the one-on-one attention you’ll get from your dentist. If you have any questions about dental crowns, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (973) 718-9887.