Dentists have used dental crowns in some form to rebuild damaged teeth for thousands of years. While the restorations placed in ancient Egypt were not very lifelike and used mostly for cosmetic purposes, modern crowns are comfortable, functional, and identical in appearance to natural enamel. Here’s a quick look at how your dentist will ensure you feel no pain while receiving your dental crown and how you can stay comfortable while recovering afterward.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a restorative device designed to replace dental structure lost to injury or tooth decay, and it can also be used to resculpt a tooth that was misshapen to begin with. These devices can be placed in as few as two appointments, and teeth that receive them will need to wear them for life since a small amount of enamel must be removed during the process. Dental crowns protect compromised teeth from infection and injury and restore their function so they can last much longer than they would otherwise.
Does Receiving a Dental Crown Hurt?
Dentists understand that many people can be anxious about an upcoming dental procedure, and they do everything they can to ensure their patients enjoy comfortable and effective treatment experiences. Before placing your dental crown, your dentist will administer an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain, and they may also perform a sedation treatment if necessary.
Does Recovering After Receiving a Dental Crown Hurt?
While you can expect some temporary soreness and inflammation after receiving a dental crown, this should be mild and easy to manage. The best way to minimize this discomfort is to adhere to your dentist’s postoperative instructions, which will probably include:
- Not eating or drinking anything but cool or lukewarm water until the anesthetic wears off.
- Avoiding chewing around the new dental crown until the cement has had a few days to set.
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Rinsing with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and kill harmful bacteria.
- Contacting your dentist if your discomfort seems to be getting worse instead of better, or if you notice other signs of infection such as fever, chills, fatigue, or a nasty taste in your mouth.
Receiving a dental crown can allow you to enjoy a comfortable and functional smile for many years to come. By adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can keep your recovery process smooth and complication-free.
About the Practice
Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester offers the finest oral healthcare in New Hampshire. Led by Dr. Robert C. Fromuth, the staff ensures each patient enjoys outstanding courtesy in a clean and calming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about the dental restoration process, contact the office online or dial (603) 644-3368.