A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth, designed to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. A common question when considering this restorative procedure is whether it will involve pain. This concern is understandable, as dental work can sometimes be associated with discomfort.
Discomfort During the Procedure
The process of receiving a dental crown is typically not painful due to the application of local anesthesia. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you do not feel sharp pain during the preparation. While pain is absent, you may experience sensations of pressure or vibrations as the tooth is being shaped. These sensations are a normal part of the procedure and do not indicate pain.
During the initial visit, after the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is often placed to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being fabricated. Minor discomfort or sensitivity can occur with the temporary crown, especially to temperature changes. This temporary discomfort is usually mild and subsides quickly.
Post-Procedure Sensitivity
Following the placement of a permanent dental crown, it is common to experience some temporary sensitivity. This sensitivity can stem from nerve irritation caused by the drilling and preparation of the tooth. Inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue from the procedure can also lead to tenderness.
Patients might notice sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort when biting down on the newly crowned tooth. This normal post-procedure sensitivity usually resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers can often manage this temporary discomfort effectively.
Addressing Persistent Pain
While some temporary sensitivity is expected, persistent or worsening pain after a dental crown placement warrants attention. One common cause of ongoing discomfort is a “high bite,” where the crown is slightly too tall, causing uneven pressure when biting. This issue can often be corrected with a simple adjustment by the dentist. Unresolved nerve irritation within the tooth, which did not fully settle after the procedure, can also lead to persistent pain.
In some cases, underlying issues such as residual decay that was not completely removed, or a new cavity forming under the crown, can cause pain. An infection, particularly if a root canal was not performed prior to the crown, can also be a source of throbbing pain, sometimes accompanied by swelling. Rarely, a cracked tooth underneath the crown can lead to ongoing sensitivity or discomfort, especially with biting or temperature changes. If pain is severe, worsens, or lasts longer than the expected two weeks, or if you notice swelling, it is important to contact your dentist promptly for evaluation.