You’ve decided to go sightseeing with some friends around the Washington DC area, and your dinner reservations are just ahead. You’re dreading it because this steakhouse is one of your favorites, but one of your teeth has been bothering you for months. When your dentist recommended a dental crown, you dashed from the office, calling “no thanks” over your shoulder as you imagined the level of pain such a procedure may cause. And yet, here you are with your weakened tooth threatening to cause you even more pain over what should be a delicious dinner. What can you do? How can you fix this problem as quickly and painlessly as possible?
Understand that Most Dental Crown Procedures are Not Painful
Like many restorative procedures, receiving a dental crown is actually less painful than expected. Dentists always use local anesthesia to numb the entire tooth that they will be working with. Your gums and surrounding area of your mouth will also be unable to detect pain during the procedure, making this treatment relatively painless. For patients who experience increased levels of dental anxiety for this sort of treatment, dental sedation methods such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation can be introduced to mitigate these feelings.
Managing the Healing is Simple
After receiving the crown, some patients experience heightened sensitivity as the dental nerve beneath the tooth adjusts to the crown. There may be some level of inflammation or irritation around the recently crowned tooth after the procedure. Using a simple over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen can adequately address any tenderness or irritation. Slight soreness or any unfamiliar feelings triggered by the new crown should disappear after a few days of recovery.
Protecting Your Tooth Leads to Less Pain
Because dental crowns work to protect decaying teeth, the pain and tenderness you’ve experienced before the treatment will be greatly reduced. Waiting too long to receive a dental crown can create new problems that may involve prolonged pain and more extensive treatment. If you postpone getting a dental crown, you could expose yourself to the following risks:
- Increased tooth infection or decay
- Sharp pains
- Dental emergencies
- Tooth loss
While the saying “no pain, no gain” has a ring to it, this phenomenon does not apply to getting your first dental crown. Restore the integrity and health of your smile by scheduling treatment as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres is a talented and reliable dentist who has provided restorative care for the Rockville, MD community for over two decades. He takes pride in restoring the smiles of all of his patients—from toddlers to seniors—with minimal pain and excellent results. If you have questions about dental crown procedures, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Modarres and his team at (301) 816-9401 or through the Rockville Family Dentistry website.