Dental crowns do an outstanding job of covering and replacing damaged and discolored teeth. But, many people worry that it’s painful to get a crown. The question is: is it the procedure itself that is painful or is the recovery?
Does the dental procedure to place a crown hurt?
The short answer is no. Getting a crown doesn’t cause any more pain or discomfort than a typical filling. If you’ve had cavities filled at our office, the process is the same. Dr. Frahm puts a local numbing jelly on your teeth and gums. Then, she numbs the area with an injection to keep you from any discomfort.
Read about why you need a dental crown.
Will I feel pain after a dental crown is placed?
Most patients do feel some mild discomfort and sensitivity after the procedure. This can include:
- Food sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, and crunchy or sticky foods. Dentists usually recommend avoiding these types of foods for a few days after having a new crown placed.
- Sore gums are a common complaint. This happens due to the dental procedure itself, but this pain won’t last more than two weeks.
The benefits of CEREC
If you are in need of a crown, consider CEREC technology. These are custom porcelain crowns that can be fitted, made and inserted in a single visit. The biggest advantage to CEREC technology is that you can get your crowns made and placed in one day. Less time in the dentist’s chair results in less discomfort during and after the procedure.
Other problems that can cause pain after crowns are placed
If you find you have pain around the crown long after the procedure, this can be caused by a few things:
- Recessed gums can expose your tooth’s root and cause pain. This is usually caused by brushing too aggressively, so just ease back and make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Teeth grinding or bruxism is a common cause of tooth and jaw pain. If you do grind your teeth at night, you may find that the area around your crown becomes more sensitive. If this problem persists, talk with Dr. Frahm about a night guard.
- An improperly fitting crown can also cause discomfort. If your smile feels uneven or you experience jaw pain when you bite down, contact your dentist immediately.
Treating dental crown pain
Discomfort and mild pain after your dental crown procedure can be treated with a few simple measures.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will provide effective, temporary relief.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water to lessen inflammation and reduce pain. Just mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with warm water and swish it around for 30 seconds a few times a day.
Maintain good dental hygiene to protect yourself from dental pain and problems in the future. Brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist for regular checkups. When you are ready for your next appointment, give us a call at 831-372-8011 or contact us via our webform. You can also come by our conveniently located office at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940.
