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Is a Dental Crown Painful? Can I Eat After a Crown?

A tooth breaks, cracks, or gets a big cavity. Anxiety spikes. Do dental crowns hurt? Will eating ever feel normal again? These questions pop up in our office every week. At Porcelain Veneers Sydney, we talk about dental crowns with patients of all ages. Sometimes, people even ask if teeth veneers would be a better fit. There’s a lot to know, but it’s not as scary as you might imagine.

16 July 2025
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Table of Contents

dental caps for teeth

What is a Dental Crown?

Let’s keep it simple. A dental crown is like a helmet for your tooth. It covers and protects what’s left, giving your smile strength and a complete look. Dentists recommend dental crowns when teeth are weak, misshapen, or after root canal treatment. Sometimes people compare the process to getting teeth veneers, but the goals are a bit different.

Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or sometimes even metal. The choice depends on your teeth and your smile goals. Our team matches the crown to your natural teeth for seamless results.

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Does Getting a Dental Crown Hurt?

This question is the big one. Some nerves buzz just hearing the word “dental.” The short answer: Dental crowns involve some mild discomfort for most people, but pain is rare and short-lived. Here’s why:

  • Numbing gel and local anaesthetic are used for the procedure.

  • During preparation, you may feel pressure or vibration, but not pain.

  • After the anaesthetic wears off, you could have mild soreness at the gumline or jaw for a day or two.

  • Over-the-counter pain relief usually manages any discomfort.

For those worried about the process, here are a few realities:

  • Most people report pain as milder than a filling.

  • If you feel sharp pain biting down after the crown is fitted, sometimes the new crown needs a slight adjustment.
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The Science Behind Dental Crown Pain

Let’s back up theory with real numbers. Research consistently finds that dental crowns have a high satisfaction rate and do not commonly cause ongoing pain. A reputable review published in the Journal of Dentistry reported only 6% of patients experience persistent pain after crown placement at one year. The same source noted most pain was minor sensitivity to biting or temperature, not throbbing pain or sharp aches.

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Symptom typePercentage of patients (at 1 year)
Ongoing pain6%
Cold sensitivity13%
Pain resolved by 8 weeksOver 90%

Other studies show that when proper technique and high-quality materials are used, post-crown pain is low and usually temporary.

Eating After a Dental Crown – What to Expect

Nearly everyone wants to know: “Can I eat after my crown?” The answer depends on the stage.

  • Immediately After: Wait until the numbness wears off. Chewing with a numb mouth isn’t just tough, it can lead to cheek or tongue bites.

  • Temporary Crown: Eat soft foods. Avoid sticky or very hot/cold foods until the final crown is in place.

  • Permanent Crown: Normal chewing resumes within 24-48 hours. Chew on the opposite side if your tooth feels sensitive at first.

Most people say that, after a little adjustment, eating feels just like it did with their original tooth, or even better.

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Dental Crowns vs. Teeth Veneers: Quick Table

People often ask about teeth veneers when learning about dental crowns. Here’s a side-by-side look:

Dental CrownsTeeth Veneers
Covers the whole toothCovers the front of the tooth
Used for broken, weak, or root canal teethUsed for chips, stains, and minor shape fixes
Stronger, more protectiveSlimmer, needs less tooth removal
Preferred for molars/back teethPreferred for front teeth

Both can improve your smile, and both options are offered at Porcelain Veneers Sydney.

Looking After Your New Crown

Prolong the life of your dental crowns with simple steps:

  • Brush twice daily, floss once.
  • Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, bones).
  • Visit us for regular checks so we can spot and fix early signs of trouble.

FAQs

No, not during the procedure. Numbing is used, so most people only notice slight pressure.

With good care, they can last 10-15 years or longer.

As soon as numbness is gone and the final crown is fitted, usually the next day.

Extremely hard or sticky foods may damage the crown. Chewing ice or biting hard candy is risky.

It depends on the problem. Veneers are great for minor cosmetic issues. Crowns offer more protection if the tooth needs strength.

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Author

  • BDS (Gla)
    Registered Dental Practitioner

    Dr. Kinnar Shah is a cosmetic dentist with a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and dental implants, practising at Smile Concepts. As an author, Dr. Kinnar regularly writes informative articles and guides on dental health and cosmetic dentistry for the PorcelainVeneers blog, sharing his expertise to help patients make informed decisions about their oral care.