From Start to Finish: What It’s Like to Get a Dental Crown

Here’s a simple, no-nonsense breakdown of the process, so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish.

Step 1: Numbing the Area

Before anything else, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth that needs the crown. This ensures you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

What it feels like:

• Numbing shot: You’ll feel a small pinch when the anesthetic is injected, but after a few minutes, the area will be numb, and you won’t feel any pain.
• Numbness: While you won’t feel pain, you might feel some pressure as the dentist works on your tooth.

Step 2: Preparing the Tooth

Next, your dentist will prepare the tooth by filing it down to make room for the crown. If your tooth is severely damaged, they may need to build it up before placing the crown.

What it feels like:

• Pressure: You’ll feel pressure on your tooth as the dentist files it down. It might feel like a strong push or vibration, but there won’t be any sharp pain.
• Sound: The dental drill might make a buzzing or whirring sound, but it shouldn’t cause discomfort.

Step 3: Taking Impressions

Once the tooth is shaped, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth to create a custom crown. This can be done with traditional mold material or a digital scanner.

What it feels like:

• Traditional mold: If a mold is used, it will feel like a large tray of soft material being placed over your teeth. It may feel a little bulky, but it’s quick and doesn’t hurt.
• Digital impressions: If your dentist uses a scanner, you won’t feel much at all—just a gentle movement of the scanner around your tooth.

Step 4: Temporary Crown Placement

While your permanent crown is being made, your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the tooth.

What it feels like:

• Temporary fit: The temporary crown may feel a little bulky or awkward at first, but it’s designed to protect your tooth while the permanent crown is made. It should feel comfortable enough to eat and speak.

Step 5: Fitting the Permanent Crown

When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dentist to have it placed. Your dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and place the new one.

What it feels like:

• Pressure: You might feel some pressure as the dentist adjusts the crown to fit properly. This is normal.
• Fit check: The dentist may ask you to bite down to make sure the crown fits well. It should feel comfortable and not interfere with your bite.

Step 6: Cementing the Crown

Once everything fits, your dentist will use a strong adhesive to cement the crown into place. You’ll feel a brief moment of pressure, but nothing painful.

What it feels like:

• Final adjustments: The dentist will check your bite one last time, making small adjustments if needed. If anything feels off, they’ll fix it right away.

After the Procedure

Once your dental crown is in place, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity for a few days, especially if your tooth was treated with a root canal. This sensitivity will fade as your mouth adjusts.

What it feels like:

• Mild sensitivity: You might feel some sensitivity to hot or cold foods, but it should only last for a short time. If the discomfort lasts longer, contact your dentist.

Is Getting a Dental Crown Painful?

Generally, no, the procedure isn’t painful. You’ll be numbed, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. The only things you’ll likely experience are pressure, some vibrations from the drill, and possible sensitivity afterward.

If you're in need of a dental crown, the team at Schwimmer Dental is here to make the process as comfortable as possible. Whether you're getting a crown for a cracked tooth, after a root canal, or for cosmetic reasons, we’ll guide you through every step. 

Our team in New Jersey specializes in everything from cosmetic dentistry to emergency care, and we’ll ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful.

FAQs

Sources:



• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns
• https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/surgery/dental-crowns
• https://www.dentalhealth.org/crowns
• http://www.americancosmeticdentistry.org/crowns/