Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?
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Pain concerns are the most common reason patients delay or avoid crown procedures. What you’ll feel depends on whether it’s about the procedure itself or the recovery period, and that distinction matters.
Getting a dental crown at The Practice should not hurt during the procedure. You will be numb. Some mild sensitivity afterward is common, and knowing what’s normal versus what needs attention will give you confidence going into the appointment.
What Getting a Crown Feels Like
During the crown procedure, you will not feel pain. The tooth and surrounding gum tissue will be numbed with local anesthesia. What you will feel is pressure, vibration, and the sensation of instruments moving. These are not painful, but they can feel unfamiliar or cause mild discomfort.
After the procedure, minor tooth sensitivity for a few days to a couple of weeks is normal. This is your tooth adjusting to the new restoration. You might notice sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure when you bite down. This fades on its own.
The key distinction: the procedure itself is not painful when done with proper anesthesia. The recovery period may involve minor sensitivity that feels more like awareness than pain. Our approach to cosmetic and restorative care in Franklin and our Murfreesboro office ensures you’re comfortable before, during, and after the crown is placed.
Step by Step: What Happens During a Crown Procedure
Numbing the Tooth
Before work begins, our dentist will numb the tooth with local anesthesia. You may feel a slight pinch from the needle, followed by a tingling or heavy sensation as the anesthesia takes effect. Once you’re numb, you won’t feel only pressure.
For clients with dental anxiety, options like nitrous oxide or IV sedation are available at both locations.
Shaping the Tooth and Taking an Impression
Once you’re numb, our dentist will shape the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown. This involves a dental drill, which creates noise and vibration but should not cause pain. If you feel anything, let our dentist know so they can add more anesthesia.
After the tooth is shaped, our dentist will take an impression. The Practice uses digital impressions, which means no trays filled with goopy material. Instead, a small wand scans your tooth in seconds, and the impression is sent to the lab.
A Temporary Crown
While your permanent crown is being made, you’ll wear a temporary crown. This protects your tooth and maintains your bite. The temporary crown is held with weaker cement so it can be removed easily.
Temporary crowns are not as durable or comfortable as permanent ones. You may notice some sensitivity to temperature or pressure, and you’ll need to avoid sticky or very hard foods. This sensitivity is normal and should not be severe. If the temporary crown feels loose, comes off, or causes pain, call your dentist.
Placing the Permanent Crown
When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to have it placed. Our dentist will remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and check the fit and bite. Once confirmed, the crown is permanently cemented. This appointment is quicker and less invasive than the first one.
What's Normal After a Crown — and What Isn't
Normal Sensitivity and Soreness
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common after a crown is placed. This peaks in the first few days and fades over one to two weeks. You may also notice some gum soreness where the dentist worked. This is normal and should improve as your gums heal.
If your bite feels awry, this is common in the first day or two. Still, if the crown feels too high when you bite down, or if it’s causing persistent discomfort, contact your dentist. This is called a high bite, and it can be fixed with a simple adjustment.
Warning Signs
Contact your dentist if you experience persistent pain that gets worse; severe pain when you bite down (a high bite that needs correction); swelling, redness, or pus around the gum line (signs of infection); or a crown that feels loose or falls off.
Most post-crown issues can be resolved with a follow-up appointment. Dr. Matthew Kasiar in Franklin and Dr. Nicole Nguyen in Murfreesboro are accessible when patients have concerns.
Concerns About Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is common. Many individuals avoid dental care not because of tooth problems, but because the idea of sitting in the chair makes them feel powerless. The Practice has built its approach around one principle: you should never feel rushed, pressured, or dismissed.
Sedation dentistry is available at both locations. Nitrous oxide provides light relaxation while allowing you to stay awake. IV sedation offers deeper relaxation. Both options are safe and monitored.
The Practice uses digital impressions, which eliminate gagging and discomfort. The team explains what happens at each step, and you can raise your hand for a break at any time. Bring up your anxiety during the first appointment, and the team will create a plan that fits your comfort level.
Crown Discomfort FAQs
Does getting a dental crown hurt?
The procedure itself should not hurt with proper anesthesia. You’ll feel pressure and vibration, but not pain. Mild sensitivity afterward is common and fades within one to two weeks.
Will I feel pain during the crown procedure?
Local anesthesia numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue. If you feel pain during the procedure, your dentist can add more anesthesia.
How long does the pain last from a temporary crown treatment?
Temporary crowns may cause mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure. This should be manageable. If the crown causes sharp pain or feels loose, contact your dentist.
Why does my crown hurt when I bite down?
This is often caused by a high bite. The crown sits higher than it should, and it makes contact with other teeth too early. This can be fixed with a quick adjustment where your dentist files down the high spot.
Is tooth sensitivity after a crown normal?
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common and should fade over one to two weeks. If sensitivity gets worse or doesn’t improve, contact your dentist.
What are the signs of infection after a dental crown?
Signs include swelling, redness, pus around the gum line, persistent throbbing pain, and fever. Infections are rare but need immediate attention.
Can I get a crown if I have dental anxiety?
Options like nitrous oxide and IV sedation are available at The Practice to help anxious patients feel calm.
How long does a dental crown procedure take?
The first appointment takes 60 to 90 minutes. The second appointment, where the permanent crown is cemented, is 30 to 45 minutes.
Getting Dental Crowns at The Practice, TN
Getting a dental crown should not be painful. With proper anesthesia and a team that listens, the procedure can be straightforward. After the crown is placed, some sensitivity is normal but temporary.
Dr. Matthew Kasiar in Franklin and Dr. Nicole Nguyen in Murfreesboro specialize in restorative and cosmetic dentistry with a focus on patient comfort. Both locations offer sedation options, digital impressions, and a team committed to treating every client with patience and respect.
The Practice Franklin is located at 3991 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37067. Call (615) 628-7728.
The Practice Murfreesboro is located at 228 Fortress Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. Call (615) 314-6904 or email mboro@thepracticetn.com.