Managing Dental Crown Procedure Pain in 2024

Many are afraid of going to the dentist as they worry their experience will be a painful and uncomfortable one. We’ve come a long way with dentistry; thanks to the use of anaesthesia and sedation, dental treatments are no longer as uncomfortable as they used to be. The same applies to getting dental crowns. 

The process of getting a dental crown is relatively simple and essentially painless. Let's find out more!

Who needs a dental crown?

Many patients asks us, "Are dental crowns necessary? If need be, can dental crowns be replaced? In fact, how long do dental crowns last?" Well, your dentist will recommend you get a dental crown if you have a damaged tooth that regular filling cannot solve. Badly decayed teeth and chipped and cracked teeth are just some examples. Crowns are usually also recommended following a root canal treatment, as the treated tooth will be more fragile and needs added protection.

At Dental Designs, all our crowns are made in-house from genuine, modern ceramic materials. Each crown is designed, hand painted and polished individually to ensure it meets the highest level of standards. Plus, we offer same-day crowns, so you can get your crown in just one visit, rather than waiting the usual two weeks for traditional crowns.

Find out more about Dental Crowns with Dental Designs today!

When getting a dental crown, pain is typically managed with local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth to ensure you don't feel any pain during the procedure. At Dental Designs, we take care to make the experience as comfortable as possible by using the following approaches.

Topical Anesthetic: Before we even begin the injection, we apply a topical anaesthetic to your gums. This numbs the surface and significantly reduces the initial sting of the injection.

Comfortable Injection Techniques: When it comes to the injection itself, a slow and steady approach is key. Injecting the anaesthetic solution too quickly can cause the tissues to stretch too fast, leading to a burning sensation and discomfort. By taking it slow, we allow the tissues to adapt gradually, minimising pain.

Some patients may have additional nerve supplies or chronic inflammation that makes them harder to numb. In such cases, the anaesthetic may need to be administered in multiple locations or supplemented with anti-inflammatory medications, like low-dose steroids. Your dentist will thoroughly assess your situation and tailor the anaesthesia plan to your specific needs to ensure you are comfortable before starting the treatment.

Related Articles

• Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns: Are Dental Crowns Necessary?
• How Are Dental Crowns Made: A Dentist in Singapore Explains (2024)

Does it hurt to have dental crowns?

Getting a dental crown might seem intimidating but thanks to advancements in dental technology and pain management, the process is much more comfortable now. Once the area is properly numbed, the crown preparation should be painless.

Although the anaesthetic eliminates the pain, you might still feel vibration, pressure or movement, which is normal. Here’s what else you might experience.

Discomfort: While you shouldn’t experience a great deal of pain when dental crowns are placed, some discomfort is normal and expected. During the procedure, infected areas of the tooth are removed through dental drilling. This drilling is typically what causes discomfort as the roots of the tooth are exposed now that the infected areas are removed. Your dentist will then place the crown on top to seal off the tooth and stop the infection. 

Gum tenderness and soreness: After the procedure, you may experience some feelings of tenderness and soreness along your gum line. This is due to the edges of the crown running into the gums causing inflammation but any soreness should not last longer than 2 weeks. To help with the pain, try using ice packs, cold compresses and pain medication.

In rare cases, pain after getting dental crowns can be due to:

• Tooth decay and infection under the crown - This usually happens if old infections were not removed entirely prior to placing the crown or if a new cavity forms at the border of the tooth and affects the nerve. 
• A fractured tooth or crown - A fractured tooth or crown can cause mild pain and sensitivity to cold, heat or air. If your crown is broken or loose, please have it fixed.
• Receding gums - If the gums around your crowned tooth have receded, you might experience pain and sensitivity. Receding gums are caused by brushing too hard and can lead to plaque build-up and gum disease. 
• Improper fitting of the crown: If your crown doesn’t fit properly, it can cause pain when you bite or smile. Dental crowns should adjust into your bite like your other teeth. If your bite does not feel right, it could lead to jaw pain and headaches. 

If you have any concerns or questions about getting a dental crown, just drop us a message here. We're here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with minimal discomfort.

Find out more about Dental Crowns with Dental Designs today!

References 

1. Penteado, M. M., Tribst, J., Dal Piva, A. M., Ausiello, P., Zarone, F., Garcia-Godoy, F., & Borges, A. L. (2019). Mechanical behavior of conceptual posterior dental crowns with functional elasticity gradient. American journal of dentistry, 32(4), 165–168.
2. Duan, Y., & Griggs, J. A. (2015). Effect of elasticity on stress distribution in CAD/CAM dental crowns: Glass ceramic vs. polymer-matrix composite. Journal of dentistry, 43(6), 742–749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2015.01.008