Thanks to anesthesia, getting a crown is a virtually painless process. Here’s what you can expect.

Dental crown procedures are among the most versatile dental restorative options available today. A crown can repair a significantly decayed or broken tooth, anchor a dental bridge, cap off a root canal, or complete an implant. In fact, roughly 2.3 million single crowns are placed yearly to finish a dental implant.

If you’re wondering whether getting a crown hurts, you’re not alone! Fortunately, a dental crown procedure is a virtually painless one. Any minimal discomfort is temporary and outweighed by the benefits of removing a badly decayed tooth. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during and after a dental crown procedure.

What happens when you get a dental crown

A dental crown fits over the healthy portion of your tooth. To ensure a proper fit, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel, if needed. While this is being done, you shouldn’t feel any pain because you’ll be given either local anesthesia or sedation.

Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth from a clay imprint or a digital image. From there, your crown will be made from these materials at a dental lab:

Metal. Metal crowns are the most durable and constructed out of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. But because of their color, metal crowns are noticeable, so they typically cap off molars in the back of the mouth.

Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFM). PFM crowns have an inner core of metal covered by porcelain that matches your natural tooth color. The main drawback is the potential of chipping that exposes the metal beneath the porcelain. PFM crowns may also wear down the enamel on neighboring teeth.

Pressed ceramic crowns. Instead of metal, the inner portion of this type of crown is made of ceramic, which matches the natural tooth color.

All ceramic or porcelain. For those with metal allergies, an all-ceramic or porcelain crown works best. They are also gentle on nearby teeth.

Same-day crowns. Many dental offices offer same-day crowns. The crown is fashioned out of a block of ceramic material using special software and equipment.

Crowns can also be made of resin. However, resin crowns are typically used for temporary crowns before the permanent one is cemented on the tooth.

You have the crown: Now what?

You may experience minor sensitivity and pain for a day or two following the crown placement. This is normal and shouldn’t interrupt your sleep or daily activities. You can take over-the-counter pain reducers or use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity to alleviate discomfort.

Crowns generally last for up to 15 years. Keep these tips in mind to extend their lifespan:

Watch what you eat. Hard, crunchy foods such as popcorn and ice curbs can break the crown. Meanwhile, sticky candy such as caramels can dislodge it.

Keep up your dental hygiene routine. For the first few days after the procedure, brush and floss carefully around the crowned tooth. After that, continue brushing and flossing as you normally would to remove decay-causing plaque and bacteria. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Don’t damage your teeth. Teeth grinding at night can wear down your crown. Ask your dentist to fit you with a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Schedule twice-annual dental checkups. Your teeth need a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. These visits allow your dentist to treat any decay before you need a crown.

Do you need a crown?

Schedule an appointment today at on of our locations near you. Our highly trained dentists can fit you with the perfect crown with minimal pain.