Many people are often wary about getting any sort of dental treatment because of the expected pain. One that some are worried about is getting a crown. Thankfully, it may be easier than you think as your dentist works to make you as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you need to know about discomfort and this restoration, including the same-day variant.
Will It Hurt to Get a Dental Crown?
For both a traditional and CEREC crown, they are prepared in the same way. Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel on all sides of the tooth being treated. This will help your results sit flush, but this part generally isn’t painful. Thanks to local anesthesia and dental sedation, it may not hurt outright, but rather, you may feel some pressure.
The next step is where the paths start to diverge. For a traditional restoration, you will have impressions taken and sent to a dental lab. They will make your final crown, but it takes a couple of weeks, so you’ll need a temporary in the meantime.
A same-day one also calls for impressions, but your dentist will use it to make a 3D model of your crown. They will make any necessary adjustments and send that to an in-house milling machine, where it gets sculpted out of a block of ceramic.
What Can I Do to Manage Discomfort Afterward?
Regardless of whether you have a final or temporary crown placed, you may feel sore after the anesthesia and sedation wear off. This is normal, and it should go away more every day, but there are ways you can get relief, such as:
- Take pain relievers as directed.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth.
- Do warm saltwater rinses to soothe inflammation.
- Steer clear of hot, cold, hard, and sticky foods for the first several days.
When Do I Need to Call My Dentist About Any Pain?
While some discomfort is expected, there are cases where it can be a sign of a complication. You should call your dentist if it is:
- Lingering or worsening.
- Showing signs of infection, like redness or swelling.
- Causing trouble when you bite and chew.
Having a follow-up visit if you notice the signs above can help ensure your results look and feel great in the end. That way, you can feel confident showing off your restored smile for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Rebecca Long earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. She is here to help the Austin community rebuild their grins with traditional or CEREC crowns. By using state-of-the-art technology, you can enjoy a more comfortable treatment that helps you feel your best. If you have any worries about this service, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Long’s office at (512) 328-0155.