Will getting a dental crown hurt?

The procedures for receiving a dental crown are not usually uncomfortable. The patient is anesthetized with local anesthesia; water is used along with high speed instruments in preparation and a temporary crown are placed while the crown is being fabricated. Often at the delivery appointment it is not necessary to anesthetize the area for the fitting and cementing of the crown.

Other than the fact that multiple appointments may be necessary, the procedures necessary to place a crown are not necessarily any more challenging for the patient than more routine care.

Getting a dental crown placed involves several steps, and any of these may cause pain or discomfort. For instance, if you need a root canal before getting the crown placed, you may be in pain if you don't have anesthesia or pain medicine to help. Building the foundation for the crown is another possible step that may hurt. Filing the tooth to prepare it for the crown, taking impressions to make a model for the crown, and placing the temporary and permanent crowns may all be uncomfortable as well. Remember though, that this procedure doesn't have to hurt or cause anxiety or fear. Talk with your dentist about ways to help you relax, control any pain you may have during the procedure, and help with any discomfort after the crown is placed. Your dentist should be able to answer your questions and give you options to make getting a dental crown as comfortable an experience as possible.