Many people fear pain while in the dentist’s chair, but don’t let that stop you from getting the dental crown you need. You won’t have to worry about a painful procedure. Your dentist will keep your comfort as their top priority. It’s normal to have temporary tenderness after your treatment, but it’s easy to manage. Here’s what you can expect when getting your restoration.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that’s bonded over a tooth to provide a layer of protection. It covers the entire tooth to the gum line. Crowns are versatile because they offer both restorative and cosmetic benefits. They can also be used along with other procedures, like after a root canal or to support a bridge. They are often recommended to treat:
- A large area of decay
- Break or fracture
- Enamel loss
- Abnormally shaped tooth
What to Expect When Getting a Crown
After your initial consultation, you’ll be scheduled for the first phase of your treatment. Your dentist will use a numbing medication to block pain. At most, you might feel some pressure or vibrations. They will perform any preliminary treatments, like a root canal, before reshaping your tooth to allow the crown to fit over it.
They will take a digital impression of your tooth, which removes the room for error that can occur using a traditional impression material. Your dentist will send the image to the lab, where it will be crafted from porcelain to look like a real tooth.
It can take the lab a couple of weeks, so your dentist will bond a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait. Once your crown is ready, you’ll return to your dentist to have the temporary material removed and your final restoration bonded to your tooth.
Recovering from a Dental Crown
Although you won’t have any pain during your procedure, it’s not unusual for your mouth to be a little tender after the effects of any numbing medications wear off. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever and eating soft foods.
It may take a couple of days to get used to your crown, but in no time at all, you may soon forget it is there. It will look and feel natural using the latest advancements in dentistry. Your restoration can last for 10 years or longer with the right care, like brushing or flossing.
About Dr. Justin Geller
Dr. Geller earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit and has committed to continuing his training to provide the latest solutions in dentistry, including dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office at (248) 926-4030.