If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown to protect it from infection or further injury. If you’ve never undergone the dental crown procedure before, you may be wondering if it will hurt. To ease your worries and give you a better idea of what you can expect, here’s what it feels like to get a dental crown in Marlton as well as the benefits that come with the procedure.
What Happens During the Dental Crown Procedure?
The dental crown procedure usually includes two appointments that are spread out over the course of a few weeks. At your first appointment, your dentist will shave down the tops and sides of the tooth. This allows them to make sure that there’s enough room for the crown to fit in with the rest of your teeth and that it won’t impede your bite.
Then, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth. These will be used to customize your new restoration. You will then be given a temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait on the permanent one to be made. Your dentist will send the tooth impressions to a dental lab for the crown to be made. Once they receive the permanent crown from the dental lab, your dentist will have you come back in to have it placed.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. You can expect the effects of the anesthetic to last a few hours. After the procedure is complete and the anesthetic wears off, the area may feel a bit tender for a few weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to help manage any discomfort or sensitivity.
What If I Don’t Get a Dental Crown?
If you decide that you don’t want to get a dental crown to repair a damaged or structurally compromised tooth, this will only lead to worse issues in the future. Unlike the rest of your body, a damaged tooth cannot heal itself. Cracks or fractures in the tooth will likely worsen, which can lead to irreparable damage or even a painful infection in the inner tooth. Eventually, these factors paired with normal wear will cause the tooth to either fall out completely or need to be extracted by your dentist.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
Not only are dental crowns comfortable to get, but they’re very important for the well-being of your smile. Dental crowns offer various benefits to the oral health of their recipients. Along with protecting the tooth from being damaged any further, other benefits include:
- Improved appearance – Crowns can correct chips, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and a host of other aesthetic issues.
- Enhanced oral function – Since dental crowns protect damaged teeth, this can make it easier for you to chew your food without discomfort.
- Pain relief – Damaged teeth are more likely to be sensitive to pressure and outside temperatures. Dental crowns keep these things at bay and reduce discomfort.
- Save money and effort – Dental crowns can help you avoid more expensive and invasive procedures in the future.
If your dentist recommends getting a dental crown, there’s nothing to worry about. The procedure will be quick, pain-free, and just what you need to get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
South Jersey Center for Dental Medicine takes pride in helping patients of all ages learn to take care of their teeth and maintain bragworthy smiles. They offer a variety of restorative treatments, such as dental crowns, to repair and complete your smile as well as protect it from further harm. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment or want more information about how the dental crown procedure works, visit their website or call (856) 596-4333.