I answer this question almost daily at our clinics because crown replacement anxiety is incredibly common. After treating over 70,000 patients from 65 nationalities, I can tell you exactly what to expect so you can stop worrying and start planning.
The Timeline for Crown Replacement
Your first appointment is where most of the work happens. I’ll remove your old crown, which usually takes just a few minutes. If the crown is damaged or loose, it might come off easily. If it’s still well-cemented, I’ll need to carefully cut through it to avoid damaging the tooth underneath.
Once the old crown is off, I’ll examine the underlying tooth structure. Sometimes there’s decay underneath that needs treatment first. If the tooth is healthy, I’ll reshape it slightly to ensure the new crown fits perfectly. This preparation takes about 30 minutes.
Next comes taking impressions or digital scans of your teeth. At our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics, we use modern digital scanners that are faster and more comfortable than traditional impression putty. I’ll also select the exact shade to match your natural teeth.
Before you leave, I’ll place a temporary crown. This protects your tooth while the lab creates your permanent crown, which typically takes 10 to 14 days. The temporary crown looks decent and functions adequately, but you’ll need to avoid very sticky or hard foods.
Your second appointment is much quicker. I’ll remove the temporary crown, try in the permanent one to check fit and color, make any minor adjustments, and then cement it permanently. This whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
What the Pain Level Actually Feels Like
Let me be completely honest about discomfort. During the procedure itself, you shouldn’t feel pain because we use local anesthesia. The injection stings for a few seconds, then your mouth goes numb. Some patients feel pressure or vibration from the dental drill, but no sharp pain.
The numbness wears off two to four hours after your appointment. At this point, your tooth and gums might feel tender or sensitive. At Picasso Dental Clinic, I describe it as similar to a mild bruise. It’s noticeable but not severe.
In my experience, most patients rate the discomfort as 2 to 3 out of 10 after the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen handles it well. By the next day, most people feel significantly better.
The temporary crown phase can cause some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This happens because the temporary material doesn’t insulate as well as your permanent crown. I warn patients about this at our Da Nang clinic, so they’re not surprised when their morning coffee feels uncomfortable.
When the permanent crown is placed, you might experience sensitivity for three to seven days as your tooth adjusts. This is normal and gradually fades. If sensitivity persists beyond two weeks or gets worse, that signals a problem worth checking.
Factors That Affect Your Experience
Your personal pain tolerance plays a role, but other factors matter more. If you had infection or decay under the old crown, the tooth will be more sensitive during and after treatment. I always address any underlying problems during the first appointment.
The condition of your tooth structure matters too. If I’m working with a tooth that’s had previous root canal treatment, you’ll feel less sensitivity because the nerve is gone. If you’re replacing a crown on a vital tooth with a healthy nerve, expect more sensation.
Your dentist’s technique makes a difference. Gentle, precise work minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues. At our clinics, I take time to work carefully rather than rushing through procedures. This approach reduces post-treatment discomfort.
Anxiety amplifies perceived pain. I’ve noticed that nervous patients often report more discomfort than relaxed ones, even when receiving identical treatment. If you’re anxious, let me know. We can discuss sedation options or take extra time to keep you comfortable.
Same Day Crowns: A Faster Alternative
Some dental offices in Vietnam now offer same day crown systems like CEREC. These allow me to design, mill, and place your crown in a single appointment lasting two to three hours. We’re currently evaluating this technology for our Ho Chi Minh City location.
The pain level is essentially the same as traditional crowns, but you avoid wearing a temporary and only need anesthesia once. The convenience appeals to busy professionals and international patients.
The downside is that same day crowns sometimes don’t match natural teeth quite as precisely as lab-made crowns. For front teeth where aesthetics are critical, I still prefer traditional methods. For back molars where function matters more than appearance, same day crowns work beautifully.
What Helps Reduce Discomfort
I give every patient specific instructions to minimize post-procedure sensitivity. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for the first 48 hours. Stick to softer foods initially and chew on the opposite side when possible.
Take pain medication before the anesthesia wears off, not after you’re already uncomfortable. This gets ahead of any inflammation. I typically recommend ibuprofen unless you have medical reasons to avoid it.
If you have a temporary crown, be gentle with it. Avoid sticky foods like caramel or taffy that might pull it off. Hard foods like ice or nuts can crack the temporary material. Most importantly, keep the area clean by brushing gently and rinsing with warm salt water.
At our Da Lat clinic, I remind patients that some sensitivity is normal and expected. What’s not normal is severe, throbbing pain or swelling. Those symptoms need immediate attention.
If you have questions about crown replacement or want to discuss your specific situation, I’m available at any of our Picasso Dental Clinic locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat.
