Cavities are a common dental issue, but when they form between your teeth, they can be especially sneaky. These interproximal cavities—so named because they occur in the spaces between two teeth—aren’t always visible to the naked eye. That means you could have one developing without even realizing it.

Fortunately, there are ways to spot the warning signs and lower your risk of needing more serious treatment down the line.

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you might be feeling a little nervous—especially if you’ve never had one before. Many patients worry that the process will be painful, but the truth is, getting a dental crown is typically a smooth and comfortable experience. With modern dental techniques and local anesthesia, you should feel little to no pain during the procedure itself.

Let’s walk through what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment—and why putting it off could actually lead to more discomfort in the long run.