If you recently damaged a tooth due to an accident or severe decay, your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown to repair the tooth and allow it to function properly. Dental crowns completely encircle a tooth to protect it from further harm. These tooth-shaped caps are durable, lifelike, and blend with the rest of your smile. If you’ve never had a crown placed before, you may be wondering if the procedure hurts. Read on to learn everything you need to know about whether it hurts to get a crown.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic. This numbs the area to ensure that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout treatment. The effects of the anesthetic should only last a few hours. During the first few weeks post-op, the area of the affected tooth may feel a bit tender. You can take over-the-counter pain medicine to help manage any sensitivity or discomfort.
How Does the Dental Crown Procedure Work?
The dental crown process usually requires two appointments that are spread out over a few weeks. Your dentist will need to reshape the tooth to ensure that the crown can fit over it without disrupting your bite or making it look bulky. They will then take impressions of the tooth and fit you with a temporary crown to protect it while they wait for the permanent one to be made.
Once they get the crown back from the dental lab, they will have you come back in to have it placed. The crown will be color-matched to perfectly blend with the rest of your pearly whites. If necessary, your dentist will make some last-minute adjustments to ensure that the crown looks and functions as intended. Just like that, your new and improved smile is complete!
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Now that you know how the dental crown procedure works, why should you undergo this treatment? If you choose not to get a dental crown, the damaged tooth will continue to worsen and may eventually need to be pulled. Dental crowns allow you to save money on extractions as well as having the tooth replaced. Along with protecting the tooth from further damage, crowns also prevent sensitivity from hot or cold foods and drinks. Additionally, they are sometimes used to correct issues like chips, cracks, stained teeth, and misshapen pearly whites.
If your dentist recommends getting a dental crown, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. This will prevent your tooth from being damaged any further and will allow you to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
Do you have a tooth that is severely damaged from decay, a blow to the face, or other factors? South Windsor Dental is here to help. They offer sturdy, realistic dental crowns to complete the look of your smile as well as protect your tooth from harm. Before you know it, your smile will be as good as new! Call South Windsor Dental’s office at (860) 644-2476 or visit their website for more information on dental crowns or to schedule an appointment.