t’s the beginning of the new year and you just went to your six-month dental checkup. After your exam, your dentist lets you know that you’ll need to get a dental crown. If you’ve never had one before, you probably have several questions about the procedure and wonder if it will be painful. The good news is that it’s a very common and safe process that is much more comfortable than you think! Read more from your dentist in North Andover to learn what you can expect when getting a crown placed.

First Things First: What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the surface of your tooth. It is often used to restore the size, shape, and structure of a damaged or decayed tooth. Once placed, it restores the health and function of your pearly white and provides an added layer of protection.

Nowadays, crowns are made from ceramic or porcelain to replicate the appearance of real enamel. Your restored tooth will look completely natural!

The Dental Crown Procedure

Most of the time, the entire procedure can be completed in as little as two appointments. These are the typical steps of the process:

Preparation Visit

At your initial visit, your dentist will examine the tooth in question and begin to prepare it for a crown. This will involve numbing the tooth, filing down the enamel, removing damaged areas, and taking an impression for the lab. Since your tooth will be made completely numb with a local anesthetic, you won’t feel a thing while it is being prepared!

Final Placement

In between appointments, you’ll have a temporary crown placed to minimize any sensitivity and keep your tooth protected. Once the permanent one is created, you’ll return to your dental office and have it placed with dental-grade adhesive. Your dentist may use a numbing agent to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. This appointment will be the shorter of the two; before you know it, your smile will be whole and healthy again!

So, How Will It Feel?

As discussed above, the actual procedure is very comfortable due to the local anesthetic.  Once the crown is placed, you’ll most likely experience some irritation and tenderness due to inflammation caused by the procedure. However, any discomfort you feel should disappear within a few days! In order to alleviate mild sensitivity for the first few days, you can always take an over-the-counter pain medication. If you begin to experience any significant pain, be sure to contact your dentist right away so they can examine the area and make necessary adjustments.

Although getting dental work done may make you feel a bit nervous, a dental crown is a perfectly safe procedure done with ease. Once completed, you can smile knowing that your pearly white will be whole and protected for many years to come!

About the Author

 Dr. E. Charles Beliveau has been keeping the smiles of North Andover whole and healthy for over 30 years. He is a member of renowned institutions such as the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute and is devoted to staying current on the latest trends and techniques in dentistry. With a focus on personalized care, he can assist you will all of your restoration needs, including dental crowns. To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (978) 687-5900.