Even those who diligently brush and floss their teeth twice daily can have dental problems. Unfortunately, cavities can form in places that are difficult to see or reach, like between two teeth or behind your molars, and progress untreated.
This can lead to severely decayed, damaged, or infected teeth. Fortunately, your dentist can preserve and restore their functionality with a fully customized dental crown. However, you might avoid this procedure if you’re scared it will hurt. Continue reading to learn more about the process of being fitted with one of these prosthetics so you can set your mind at ease!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are cemented over injured teeth to protect them from additional harm while simultaneously strengthening them so you can continue to use them normally. This allows your dentist to save your natural teeth in conditions that might otherwise require extraction.
These prosthetics are typically made from resilient porcelain or resin that can be color-matched to your smile for seamless results. Plus, they can last 15+ years if cared for correctly, making them an excellent long-term repair.
Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
Typically, you can expect the process of being fitted with your new tooth to happen over two separate appointments. During your initial visit, your dental team verifies whether you’re a good candidate for a dental crown based on your current oral condition. If so, we’ll begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth to help you stay calm and relaxed the entire time.
Then, we’ll gently remove a small layer of enamel from your injured tooth to ensure the crown fits correctly without looking too bulky. We’ll make impressions and take images of your mouth, and send this information to a special dental lab that begins creating your restoration. In the meantime, we’ll fit you with a temporary version to shield your treated tooth.
Is Dental Crown Recovery Painful?
It’s normal to feel some slight sensitivity after this process because there’s less enamel to protect your pearly white. However, this sensation usually dissipates on its own after about two weeks. If, for whatever reason, your discomfort continues or worsens, please contact your dentist right away to let them know.
Then, once the permanent dental crown is delivered, we’ll call you back for your final fitting. This step typically doesn’t even require a numbing agent because it’s non-invasive. We’ll apply the cement and bond your prosthetic in place before removing any excess material and polishing it to a shine.
As you can see, there’s no reason to fear getting a dental crown, so why wait? Call your provider today to schedule your procedure, and it won’t be long before you have a beautiful new tooth to restore your smile!
About the Practice
At Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping people improve their dental health. Dr. Laster and Dr. Rensch have years of experience working with patients of all ages and provide a comprehensive list of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. They combine a compassionate and conservative approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver top-quality treatments with accurate, long-lasting results. If you have a damaged tooth that needs attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call (919) 787-0355.
