A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its function, size, and appearance. This restorative process involves multiple stages, and the physical feeling changes significantly throughout the treatment. While the ultimate goal is for the crown to feel like a natural part of your mouth, the journey from preparation to final placement involves a series of distinct sensations. Understanding what to expect at each step can help alleviate concerns.
Sensations During the Crown Procedure
The initial appointment focuses on preparing the natural tooth structure to receive the crown. The first sensation is typically a small pinch as the local anesthetic is administered. This medication quickly numbs the area, ensuring you will not feel sharp pain during the tooth preparation. Preparation involves removing a precise amount of enamel and dentin to make space for the cap.
Once the area is numb, the most noticeable feelings are pressure and vibration from the dental drill as the tooth is reshaped. You may hear the sound of the drill, but the anesthesia blocks the sensation of actual drilling. This pressure is unavoidable as the dentist applies force to create the optimal foundation for the crown. The core of the tooth may be temporarily inflamed by the procedure, which can lead to sensitivity once the numbness wears off.
The Feel of the Temporary Crown
After the tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is placed to protect the underlying structure while the permanent one is fabricated in a dental laboratory. These interim restorations are typically made from acrylic or resin and secured with a weaker adhesive. Because of this temporary nature, the crown may feel less substantial, slightly bulky, or less perfectly smooth than your other teeth.
It is common to experience mild sensitivity to temperature changes or pressure when biting down. The temporary crown may also feel slightly “off” in your bite because it is not custom-fitted to the exact specifications of the final product. Since the cement is weaker, you must be cautious, avoiding sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary crown.
Adjusting to the Permanent Crown
When the permanent crown is cemented into place, the initial sensation may be tightness or a heightened awareness of the new shape and contour in your mouth. The crown is designed to fit precisely and integrate seamlessly with your existing teeth, but your mouth needs time to adjust. The dentist will meticulously check your occlusion, or bite, using articulating paper to ensure the crown is not too high.
If the crown feels slightly elevated, it can cause an uneven bite leading to discomfort or jaw soreness, requiring a simple adjustment by the dentist. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is common immediately following cementation because the underlying dentin has been exposed. This sensitivity is usually temporary, subsiding within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth nerve calms down. The crown begins to feel like a natural tooth within a few days and should be fully integrated within a month.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some initial discomfort is expected, certain sensations signal the need for a professional check-up. Persistent, sharp, or throbbing pain that does not improve after the first few days indicates a potential issue with the tooth or the crown’s fit. If the crown feels “high” and causes constant discomfort or pressure when biting, and this persists beyond a week, it may be causing bite misalignment that requires adjustment.
A crown that feels loose, shifts when you chew, or completely falls off requires immediate attention, as the underlying tooth is left unprotected. Symptoms such as swelling in the gums around the crown, a bad taste, or a foul odor could indicate an infection or a problem with the gum tissue. Any severe or worsening sensitivity that continues beyond two weeks should be evaluated, as it may suggest an issue with the crown’s seal or the health of the dental pulp.