What is the Dental Crown Procedure? Is it Painful?

It takes 2-3 dental visits, including consultation, to restore your tooth with a dental crown. Here’s what you can expect if your dental crown is for cosmetic or functional functions.

• Consultation: The dentist will discuss what you don’t like about your smile and treatment expectations. We always use dental X-rays to examine your tooth and determine the extent of damage, enamel thickness, health of surrounding structures, etc. All this info helps us to determine your eligibility for a crown. Sometimes, you may need a root canal, especially if your tooth pulp is damaged or infected. 
• Tooth preparation: The dentist will reshape the tooth by removing some of the enamel around it. If your tooth is decayed or damaged, we’ll remove the damaged portions to maintain a healthy structure.
• Dental crown fabrication: After tooth preparation, the dentist will take digital scans of your tooth to help our partner lab custom-make your restoration. Since this fabrication takes a few days, the dentist will protect your prepped tooth by placing an interim crown.
• Crown placement: When we receive your dental crown, you’ll book another appointment to receive your permanent crown. Before permanently placing your crown, the dentist will inspect your crown’s alignment and appearance. Often, we make a few minor adjustments until your restoration looks and feels natural. The last step is to bond your crown to your tooth with permanent adhesives. 

Once we place your dental crown, it will remain in place for many years. However, optimal maintenance is vital to ensure your restoration looks its best. The good news is that caring for your crown requires no special skills or tools. Brush and floss your teeth daily and ensure you reach every tooth surface. Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and check-ups. Lastly, don’t use your teeth to chew on hard substances; invest in a bespoke mouthguard if you grind your teeth.

Our office prioritizes your comfort in everything we do, and your dental crown treatment isn’t an exception. Many patients dread the tooth preparation procedure but trust us when we tell you it isn’t painful. The dentist numbs your gums with powerful anesthetics to ensure you don’t experience any discomfort. Still, you can talk to our dentist about sedation dentistry if you need more help remaining calm during treatment.

It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity after your treatment because of the enamel removal. Our team will help you with tips to minimize discomfort. After a week, any sensitivity should disappear, and your tooth should function normally.

I-Rise Dental Boutiqueis committed to providing high-quality dental care to individuals and families in Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Carlsbad, Escondido, and nearby locations. Whether you need dental crowns or other treatment, you can entrust your smile to Dr. Mohan and her team—call (858) 465-8717 to reserve your appointment.