If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you may be less concerned about what the restoration looks like and more concerned about what it will feel like to get one. Fortunately, dental crown treatment is designed to be comfortable, and local anesthesia is typically used while your tooth is prepared.
At his Albuquerque dental practice, Dr. Steven Holbrook draws on decades of restorative dentistry experience to carefully plan porcelain crowns that protect damaged teeth while restoring natural-looking function.
Why You Might Need a Crown
A dental crown covers the visible portion of a tooth, providing strength and protection when the natural structure has been compromised. Dr. Holbrook may recommend a crown for a tooth that is cracked, badly worn, weakened by a large filling, or significantly damaged by decay. Crowns can also be used following root canal treatment or as the visible restoration for a dental implant.
Does Crown Preparation Hurt?
Before preparing your tooth, the treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may notice pressure or vibration while Dr. Holbrook reshapes the tooth to create room for the crown, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain.
If you’re anxious or particularly sensitive, let the dental team know. Your comfort can be monitored throughout the appointment, and you can speak up if you need a break.
What Happens After Your Appointment?
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience temporary sensitivity or mild gum tenderness. Your tooth may be particularly sensitive to temperature or pressure for a short time.
Following any specific aftercare instructions and avoiding very hard or sticky foods while the area settles can help protect the treated tooth. If discomfort becomes significant, persists, or your bite doesn’t feel right, contact the office rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
What Does the Final Crown Feel Like?
A well-designed porcelain crown should feel comfortable when you bite and blend naturally with your smile. It may feel slightly different at first because the tooth’s shape has changed, but most people adjust quickly.
Getting a crown shouldn’t be something you avoid because you’re worried about pain. If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, contact Dr. Steven Holbrook’s Albuquerque office at 505-881-1159 to schedule an evaluation and learn whether a porcelain crown can help protect your smile.
