Does Getting a Crown Hurt? Pain Levels Explained

The numbing process:
Your dentist will inject local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You'll feel:

• A small pinch from the needle


• Pressure as the anesthetic is injected


• Tingling and numbness within minutes

During tooth preparation:
Once numb, you shouldn't feel pain. You may feel:

• Pressure and vibration from the drill


• Water spray


• Pushing and pulling sensations


• Nothing uncomfortable or sharp

Impression taking:
You'll bite into a putty-like material. This feels strange but isn't painful.

Temporary crown placement:
Mild pressure as the temporary is fitted. No pain.

Pain level: 1-2/10 (pressure and odd sensations, not actual pain)

First few hours (while numbing wears off):

• Tingling returns to the area


• Some people feel nothing; others have mild aching


• Avoid eating until numbness fully resolves

First 24-48 hours:

• Mild sensitivity to pressure is common


• Gums may be sore from being worked on


• Some sensitivity to hot and cold


• Pain level: 2-3/10 for most people

First week with temporary crown:

• Slight tenderness when chewing


• Sensitivity that gradually decreases


• Avoid sticky and very hard foods

After permanent crown placement:

• Possible mild sensitivity for a few days


• Should feel increasingly normal


• Pain level: 1-2/10

When pain is NOT normal:

• Severe, throbbing pain


• Pain that increases rather than decreases


• Sensitivity that doesn't improve after 2 weeks


• Fever or swelling


• Sharp pain when biting

Contact your dentist if you experience these.

Before your appointment:

• Take ibuprofen (400-600mg) 30-60 minutes before


• Get a good night's sleep


• Avoid caffeine, which can increase sensitivity


• Tell your dentist if you're anxious—options are available

During the procedure:

• Raise your hand if you feel anything sharp


• More anesthetic can be given at any time


• Use headphones to distract from sounds


• Focus on breathing slowly

After the procedure:

• Take OTC pain relievers as directed


• Use sensitivity toothpaste


• Avoid very hot or cold foods for a few days


• Chew on the opposite side with temporary crown


• Rinse with warm salt water for gum soreness

If you're very anxious:
Ask about sedation options. Many dentists offer:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)


• Oral sedation (pill before appointment)


• IV sedation for severe anxiety

Not all crowns are the same. Some situations involve more sensitivity:

Crown after root canal:

• Ironically, often LESS sensitivity since the nerve is removed


• Main discomfort is from injection and gum irritation

Crown for a cracked tooth:

• May have some inflammation before the procedure


• Tell your dentist if the tooth has been painful

Crown near the gum line:

• More gum manipulation required


• Gums may be sorer afterward

Replacing an old crown:

• Removing the old crown can require more drilling


• Underlying tooth may be sensitive

Crown for cosmetic reasons on a healthy tooth:

• Healthy nerves can be more sensitive


• Usually mild, brief sensitivity

Temporary crown phase:
Temporary crowns are made of weaker material and don't fit as precisely. You may experience:

• More sensitivity to temperature


• Slight movement or looseness


• Need to avoid sticky foods (can pull it off)


• Minor gum irritation from edges

Getting the permanent crown:
Usually easier than the preparation appointment:

• Temporary is removed (painless)


• Permanent crown is tried on and adjusted


• Final cementing


• May not need anesthetic at all


• Some sensitivity for a few days as you adjust

Long-term:
A properly fitted permanent crown should feel just like a natural tooth. Sensitivity should resolve within 2-4 weeks.