Restorations are often necessary for dental issues, and one of the most commonly used restorations is known as a dental crown. Despite the benefits of dental crowns, some individuals may be hesitant to receive one due to concerns about discomfort during the procedure. So, the question arises: is getting a dental crown painful?
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also referred to as a cap, is a dental prosthetic utilised to repair damaged teeth. Unlike other restorative treatments like fillings or bonding, crowns are custom-made in a laboratory to match the appearance of the patient’s original tooth. These crowns are available in various materials, such as porcelain, metal, or resin. Among these materials, porcelain is the most popular choice due to its ability to closely resemble the natural teeth and its durability.
Determining When You Need a Dental Crown
Dentists utilise crowns for extensive tooth restorations that filling and bonding cannot cover. Crowns are typically required to restore teeth after root canal treatment as they effectively safeguard the tooth roots. Additionally, crowns can cover teeth with chips, large cracks, or areas of decayed material.
Is it Painful To Get a Dental Crown?
As with any dental or medical procedure, patients may experience some level of discomfort. During the crown placement process, an anaesthetic will be administered to prevent any pain. However, once the anaesthetic wears off, patients may experience some soreness in the tooth and gum area. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers and should only last for 1-2 days.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Typically, the process of preparing and fitting a dental crown requires two appointments. However, the use of an intra-oral scanner can eliminate the need for impressions and shorten waiting times for the crown.
During the first appointment, the tooth is carefully prepared, and an accurate impression or digital scan is taken. A shade match is also performed, and occasionally, a photograph may be taken to assist the technician with colour matching. The impressions or scans are then sent to the dental technician, who will create the crown according to your dentist’s instructions.
A temporary crown is placed on your tooth until the permanent crown is ready. It’s important to note that the temporary crown is not as sturdy as the permanent crown, so you should be cautious when chewing and avoid sticky or hard, crunchy foods.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit and shade match. It is then permanently cemented to your tooth, and your dentist will examine your bite. The crown should feel natural and comfortable in your mouth, but if there is any discomfort, inform your dentist, as minor adjustments may be required.
What is the Cost of Dental Crowns or Teeth Caps?
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the tooth that requires it and the material used for the crown, which can be ceramic, porcelain, or metal. As per the 2020 national dental fee survey conducted by the Australian Dental Association (ADA), a ceramic or porcelain crown may cost up to $2,100.
Can a Dental Crown or Tooth Cap Fix a Chipped Tooth?
If you have a chipped or damaged tooth, or if you want to enhance your smile’s appearance, tooth caps can be an ideal solution. Dental crowns, also known as tooth caps, can protect and restore your teeth while creating a natural-looking, beautiful smile.
Get your tooth cap treatment at Your Healthy Smile, and make dental care more affordable. There are no benefit limits, waiting periods, treatment exclusions, or claiming rebates.
Why Do You Need a Dental Crown or Tooth Cap?
Dental crowns are used for various reasons, including:
- Restoring a cracked, chipped, or worn-down tooth
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Protecting a weak tooth
- Covering a tooth with a large filling
- Covering a dental implant
- Covering misshaped or discoloured teeth
From repairing tooth damage to improving your smile’s aesthetic appearance, dental crowns can help protect your teeth and create a stunning smile.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns/Tooth Caps Available?
Dental crowns come in various materials to suit different budgets and needs. The permanent caps are made from the following materials:
- Metal
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Resin
- Ceramic
Metal crowns are the most durable, but their metallic colour makes them better suited for molars. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be colour-matched to natural teeth but may cause more wear on adjacent teeth and are prone to chipping. Resin crowns are more affordable but less durable than other types of crowns. Ceramic or porcelain crowns provide the best natural colour match, making them ideal for front teeth, but are not as sturdy as metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Do Dental Crowns Work Well?
A dental crown should function like a healthy natural tooth and withstand normal biting and chewing forces, but it does require maintenance and replacement as it may become loose over time.
What are the Possible Issues with a Dental Crown?
There are a few potential problems that can arise with a dental crown, such as:
- Allergic reactions
- Discomfort or sensitivity
- Loose, chipped, or falling-off crown
Although rare, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the metal or porcelain materials used in the crown.
After the anaesthesia wears off, discomfort or sensitivity may occur. If the tooth that has been crowned still has a nerve, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Pain or sensitivity while biting down may indicate that the crown is too high on the tooth, which can be easily resolved by your dentist.
If the cement holding the crown in place washes out, the crown can become loose, allowing bacteria to enter and cause tooth decay.
Porcelain crowns may occasionally chip, but small chips can usually be repaired with composite resin. Excessive chipping may require a replacement crown.
If the crown is not properly fitted or lacks sufficient cement, it can fall off. You can use over-the-counter dental adhesive or temporary tooth cement to temporarily replace the crown. However, it is recommended that you contact your dentist immediately for further instructions on how to care for your tooth and crown until you can be examined.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years depending on various factors such as the type of material used, wear and tear, and proper maintenance.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
After treatment, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours until the anaesthetic wears off, so it is recommended to avoid chewing on your lip or cheek to prevent injury. Additionally, it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement sets. It’s normal for your new crown to feel unusual at first while your adjacent teeth adjust to it.
Getting a Crown at Your Healthy Smile
Your Healthy Smile provides exceptional care for dental crown procedures. Our modern facilities and skilled staff ensure a safe and comfortable experience for every patient.