Dental Crown Preperation

[EvianBaby]

I've got to have a crown fitted and am going tomorrow for the first stage which from what I understood meand they shave the tooth down and take a mold.

On a scale of one to ten how much pain does it cause? I'm supposed to be away this weekend but wondering if it might be better to postpone if I'm going to be a grumpy cow the whole time.

[J9PUR]

It should be completely painless, as you would be given a local anaesthetic if the tooth is vital (alive). There is the possibility that the crown is being prepared on a root-treated tooth. In which case, a local anaesthetic is not usually needed.

[EvianBaby]

Thanks J9.

Apologies for my awful spelling up there!

Actually, I think it is on a tooth I had root canal on. (the initial app. was weeks ago and I can't remember entirely what he's planning on doing to me). That's good news then, if it means I don't need to have a needle stuck in my gums either :)

[daffy654]

It isn't pleasant but it doesn't hurt. I have 5 crowns and a 3 tooth bridge so I am very familiar with the procedure. Temp crowns (fitted while waiting for proper one after mould is made) are not very nice in appearance and do have a habit of falling out occasionally though.

[EvianBaby]

Oh, I didn't realise they would fit a temp one. I was just under the impression they left the shaved tooth as it was until the crown was ready to fit. Really for me as long as it doesn't leave you in pain for days after that's the main thing as I don't really want to ruin everyone elses weekend while I'm away.

[daffy654]

I have always had temp crowns fitted, even on back teeth. I usually carry some dental cement (from chemist) in case I ever need to refit my crowns (temp or permanent) until I can get to the dentist again.

[EvianBaby]

This is on a back tooth so I'm really hoping it won't be that noticeable. But if they do fit a temp one I might get some cement like you suggested, just in case.

[rockyracoon]

I've had a few crowns fitted, as everyone else has said, no pain at all, just not pleasant, but then I 'm terrified of the dentist so find everything torture. Daff, I never knew you could get such a thing, I'm going to the chemist to buy some, a few years ago one of my front veneers fell out a week before Christmas, I nearly had a heart attack and I everytime I looked in the mirror I wanted to cry.

[nannybooby]

I have had many ,many crowns fitted....it doesn't hurt ,you will be given an injection and you will be ok. Just a word of warning if the dentist 'makes' the temp himself DONT eat curry or tomatoe based food for at least 24hrs -it will colour the temp , also re the falling out bit I always used to carry a bit of Buddies ( like blue tac only pink) to put it back on with, though you can now buy a pack from Boots that will mix up temp cement ,just dont go down the super glue route!
Good luck and remember the temp is only in for a couple of weeks at most.

[coccinelle]

I didn't have a temp as it was on a back tooth so not noticeable. No pain whatsoever; have a good weekend.

[EvianBaby]

Thanks all for your answers. You've put my mind at rest on the pain front.

Sounds like a bit of extra glue is the way to go if they put a temp on.