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A dental crown is a commonly-used solution in dentistry that helps to protect a damaged tooth or reinforce a tooth after root canal treatment. The procedure usually starts by reshaping the natural tooth, eliminating decay or old dental fillings, and preparing it to accommodate the crown. A temporary crown is usually placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated at a dental laboratory. This step is vital to preserve the tooth tissues and minimise sensitivity during the crown placement process.In some cases, a root canal procedure is performed before placing a crown to remove infection and preserve the tooth structure. If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, tooth pain, or sensitivity to temperatures, contact your dentist immediately. A dental intervention at the right time can prevent complications and keep you pain-free and healthy.
Crowns and dental bridges are common solutions for restoring teeth after a large filling or damage. They help protect the tooth and can be placed permanently for long-term support.
What are the uses of a dental crown?
1. To restore damaged teeth
Dental crowns can be used to restore damaged teeth that have been cracked, chipped, or weakened due to large cavities, large dental fillings, or trauma. The crown acts like a protective tooth-shaped cap helping to restore its strength, shape, and function.
2. After a root canal treatment
After a root canal procedure, the tooth becomes brittle and fragile. A permanent crown is usually placed to protect the tooth from further damage and to seal it from bacteria that could cause reinfection. This is a standard part of post-root canal dental restorations.
3. To cover misshapen or discoloured teeth
Crowns are also used for cosmetic purposes, especially to improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discoloured teeth that don’t respond well to whitening. Dentists use various materials, including ceramic or porcelain, to match the natural tooth colour. Choosing the right type of dental crown depends on the tooth’s condition and location.
Porcelain crowns and ceramic material options can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth for a seamless, natural-looking dental crown.
4. To protect worn or weak teeth
Teeth that have been eroded by tooth grinding (bruxism), acidic foods, or age-related wear can benefit from crowns. A crown provides reinforcement and protects the weak tooth from further damage.
5. As part of a dental bridge to replace missing teeth
Crowns on supporting teeth adjacent to a missing teeth help to anchor a dental bridge in place. However, this would mean sacrificing healthy tooth structure to accommodate the crown which will be part of the bridge that replaces the missing tooth.
6. As part of a dental implant
For patients who have undergone tooth extraction and received a dental implant, a custom-made crown is placed on top of the implant. This restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
7. To enhance bite alignment and function
In some cases, crowns are used to correct bite alignment issues or bite patterns, especially when teeth are severely worn down or misshaped. They help evenly distribute bite pressure and improve chewing efficiency. If you have gum disease, your dentist may need to treat it before placing the crown.
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Does the tooth crown procedure hurt?
The dental crown procedure is not usually painful, especially with local anaesthesia. However, if the crown does not have a proper fit, it can lead to discomfort or complications.
Patients may experience temporary discomfort or mild pain following the crown procedure, particularly when consuming cold foods or sticky foods. These reactions are usually due to tooth sensitivity or a traumatised nerve and often subside within a couple of weeks. If you're experiencing tooth crown pain or dental crown pain, over-the-counter pain relievers or ice packs can offer temporary relief. Pain medications may be recommended after the procedure to manage any temporary soreness.
Post-procedure sensitivity: What’s normal?
Most patients experience don't experience any pain during the actual dental crown procedure. Here's why:
- Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the prepared tooth, so you won’t feel pain during the trimming or impressions.
- Digital impressions like with CEREC intra-oral scanner can reduce the need for uncomfortable moulds that come from physical impressions.
You may feel pressure, vibrations, or slight sensitivity but not sharp pain. After the numbness wears off, it is normal to feel:
- Mild tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Soreness in the gums around the crown
- Discomfort when chewing or biting (especially if the bite is slightly off)
- Tenderness at the injection site
This is part of the normal healing process and typically fades within a few days to a week.
When crown pain isn’t normal?
Tooth crown procedure pain that lasts more than a week or gets worse could indicate a problem. Persistent pain, jaw pain, or signs like gum recession may indicate an ill-fitting crown or underlying tooth decay, which should be evaluated during a follow-up visit with your dental professional.
Please ensure to contact your dentist if you experience persistent toothache, severe pain, swelling or bleeding of the nearby gums. A loose crown or pain when biting down could be an indication of a an improperly fit crown.
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How to manage pain from a crown?
Here are a few ways to ease discomfort after your tooth crown procedure:
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods
- Use a desensitising toothpaste if you have lingering tooth sensitivity
- Rinse with warm saltwater to soothe gum irritation
- Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid brushing too aggressively which can also lead to gum recession
Pain after root canal and crown?
If you've had a crown tooth procedure after root canal treatment, some tenderness is normal—but there shouldn't be intense pain. If discomfort persists, it may point to:
- A cracked tooth beneath the crown
- Incomplete root canal therapy
- A crown that is too high or obstructing the bite
When to see your dentist?
You should contact your dentist promptly if:
- Pain lasts longer than 7 days
- You notice inflammation, pus, or a foul taste
- Your crown feels loose or unstable
- There’s increasing sensitivity to temperature or pressure
How to care for my crowns?
To maintain both your oral health and the longevity of your tooth crowns, follow consistent oral hygiene practices. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding aggressive brushing that may lead to gum recession. Proper dental care also involves minimising exposure to acidic foods, managing tooth grinding, and steering clear of excessive pressure on crowned teeth. Whether you’ve received porcelain crowns, ceramic material, or another type of crown, special care ensures your dental restorations remain effective and comfortable.
Conclusion
Getting a dental crown is a common dental procedure to restore damaged or weakened teeth. While it's generally a smooth and routine process, many patients may worry if the tooth crown procedure will hurt. A well-fitted crown should not only restore your tooth but it also should be a completely pain-free experience.
Although some mild discomfort after a dental crown procedure is to be expected, it should be easily manageable and temporary. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not, can help you stay ahead of any complications.
If you’re experiencing lingering pain or have concerns after getting a permanent crown, schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist.
Feel free to reach out to us for a dental visit. Simply leave us a message here and we will be happy to assist!