Are Dental Crowns Painful?

Dental crowns, sometimes called caps, are a restorative treatment option that can significantly improve a patient’s oral health. Many patients, upon hearing they need a crown, worry that it will hurt.

Rest assured, getting a crown is usually not painful. It is a common and fairly straightforward procedure.

When is a Crown Needed?

There are a few circumstances in which a crown may be deemed necessary.

• Crowns are used to provide strength to a vulnerable tooth, such as one that has significant decay or has broken. When a tooth can’t support a filling, a crown is usually the solution. A crown is typically needed after a root canal so that the patient’s tooth will have the strength to chew normally.
• Crowns can be used to top dental implants or support a bridge in order to replace missing teeth.
• In some cases, a crown can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance.

Getting a Crown

• Crowns are designed to match the rest of the teeth and provide an attractive and functional solution. They can be made out of various materials, such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic.
• During the patient’s first appointment, the tooth that will receive the crown must be prepared. First, the area is numbed using a local anesthetic. Patients may also opt to use a sedation method to help them feel relaxed during the procedure. Then, part of the tooth is worn down to allow room for the crown. Impressions are made so that the crown can be custom-created; the patient will wear a temporary crown in the meantime.
• During a second appointment, the crown is permanently placed. The patient will receive anesthetic during the appointment to minimize any discomfort.

If you are told you need a crown, relax!

Getting a crown is not a painful experience; thanks to the use of anesthetic and sedation, most patients feel only mild discomfort. The benefits of getting a crown far outweigh this temporary discomfort.