Tooth Pain? A Dental Crown Might Be the Relief You’ve Been Waiting For
Dental Crowns Can Alleviate Tooth Pain
Toothaches aren’t uncommon. In fact, we anticipate that nearly one-quarter of the population is experiencing a toothache at any given time. And that means, at some point, it might happen to you, too.
Tooth pain can affect anyone for many reasons. It might be tied to a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, worn enamel, gum disease, or even an old filling that is no longer doing its job. Sometimes the pain comes and goes. Other times, it can make eating, drinking, or even concentrating difficult.
The good news is that treatment is often available. In some cases, a dental crown can protect a damaged tooth, relieve discomfort, and help you get back to enjoying daily life without constant tooth pain.
Quick Answer: How a Dental Crown Helps Relieve Tooth Pain
A dental crown does not directly stop tooth pain. Instead, it protects the damaged tooth that is causing the problem. By covering the tooth, a crown helps prevent additional wear, cracks, and decay. It also restores normal function, allowing you to chew more comfortably while reducing the risk of further damage and worsening discomfort.
When a Dental Crown Is the Right Choice For Your Smile.Â
Understanding how and when a dental crown is the right choice means we need to back up a bit. Let’s align on what causes the issues for which your dentist near Lake Hefner may decide that your smile can benefit from a dental crown.
Dental crowns are often recommended when a tooth has been damaged to the point that a simple filling may not provide enough support. In these situations, the goal is to protect the remaining tooth structure and help the tooth continue functioning normally.
Here are some examples of when your dentist in Oklahoma City might tell you that your smile needs a tooth crown:
- After root canal treatment, to protect the treated tooth
- For fractured or weakened teeth that are at risk of further damage
- When a filling will not stay in place because too much of the tooth has been lost
- For teeth with large areas of decay
- To restore a severely worn tooth
The thing to remember here is that every smile is different. So, when you come in to tell us that you are experiencing tooth pain, we’ll take the time to assess the situation before deciding on the right treatment for you. In some cases, that might involve a dental crown. And in other cases, getting you relief might require a different dental treatment altogether.
What to Expect During the Dental Crown Process
Getting a dental crown is a relatively simple process. Here’s how it works:
- We’ll numb the area to keep you comfortable
- The tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that it is ready for the crownÂ
- We’ll take a scan of your tooth, make digital impressions, and send it off to the lab so that your custom crown can be designed specifically for your smile (no off-the-shelf dental crowns here)
- Your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown, which will remain on the tooth for two to three weeks while we wait for your permanent crown to arrive
- You’ll return to our office, and we’ll remove the temporary crown and fit you with your permanent crownÂ
- We’ll bond your crown to the tooth using a super-strong dental cement
And the great news? You won’t need to repeat the process anytime soon. When you properly care for your new tooth crown, it should last 10 to 15 years.
Long-Term Pain Relief
No one wants to suffer from tooth pain any longer than necessary (or at all, if it can be prevented).
One reason dental crowns are so commonly used is that they do more than address a current problem. Once placed, a crown helps your tooth handle the daily pressure of biting and chewing. It also shields areas of the tooth that may be vulnerable to temperature changes, helping reduce sensitivity for many patients.
A dental crown can also help preserve the remaining tooth structure, which may lower the chances of future complications. With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, many crowns remain in place for years. That means you can continue eating your favorite foods and using your tooth normally without constantly worrying about discomfort returning.
Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain When a Dental Crown Is Ready to Help
As your dentist near Lake Hefner, we’ll do whatever we can to spot potential issues that could eventually lead to a toothache. But unfortunately, sometimes things happen. Tooth decay, dental trauma, and other common dental problems can all lead to discomfort in your mouth. The good news, however, is that if that happens to you, we’re ready and able to help, and a tooth crown might be the perfect solution.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or you’re due for your next professional dental cleaning, get on our calendar today. Let’s work together to help keep your teeth and gums in good condition so that you have something big to smile about.