For some people, the hard part of a crown is not the tooth at all but having things in their mouth. Scotia Heights residents with a sensitive gag reflex can read when that comes up and what to say at our McPhillips Street clinic.
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A strong gag reflex is not a failure of willpower, and it is not rare. If past impressions or X-rays have left you dreading the next appointment, you may have put off dealing with a damaged tooth for that reason alone. It helps to know exactly which moments in crown treatment involve something sitting in your mouth.
Records are the main one. To make a crown, the shape of your prepared tooth has to be captured, by either a scan or an impression, and your bite has to be noted as well. Tell the dental team at Winnipeg North Dental on McPhillips Street in Winnipeg about your reflex before the appointment so you can ask which method applies, and what could make it easier for you.
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Mention your gag reflex when you book, and again as you sit down for treatment.
A scan and an impression feel different, so find out which your crown will involve.
Agree on a signal beforehand, so you can ask for a pause without speaking.
Most of a crown appointment is not about having material held in your mouth. These are the stages you may want to talk about ahead of time.
Your custom crown is guided by accurate information about the tooth and how your teeth come together.
None of these need much explanation. A few words are enough to let the dentist know what has been hard for you.
How your records are taken depends on your tooth and treatment plan, so ask about this at your assessment rather than assuming one way or the other.
A custom crown generally involves preparation and records, followed by a later placement visit. When the second visit falls depends on the material and on your plan.
Request your visitTell the dentist about your reflex at this stage. The tooth, root, gums and bite get evaluated too, with suitable X-rays, before a crown is confirmed as appropriate.
You are numbed so the tooth can be shaped. A scan or impression and a bite record come after, together with shade details for the final piece.
You may go home with a temporary over the tooth, keeping it covered and maintaining spacing. Sticky foods are worth skipping, and cleaning should stay light.
This visit is about trying the crown in and checking how it fits, contacts, bites and looks. Once any adjusting is done, it is cemented.
Knowing your own patterns is useful. Think about what has helped or hurt before, and whether you find mornings or later appointments easier, and mention those things when you speak with the clinic.
It is also fine to ask about estimated costs at this stage. Bring your insurance or CDCP details, so you can see how your plan would apply.
Chairs and small tables in the waiting area, with a treatment chair in the inset.
Much of the worry around gagging comes from fearing you will not be able to stop it. Knowing you can raise a hand and get a moment to sit up and breathe, if that is possible, may ease that worry.
Find out what is about to go in your mouth and for roughly how long, so nothing catches you off guard.
If reclining sets off your reflex, say so and ask whether your position can be changed for that step.
Local anesthetic normally numbs the tooth for preparation, though it is not a treatment for gagging, so raise both concerns.
After the difficult part
Once it is on, you can get back to normal chewing and keep the area clean. Be honest with the clinic if brushing or flossing at the back of your mouth sets off your reflex, since the margin still needs attention.
If reaching behind a molar makes you gag, tell your hygienist so you can talk about ways to approach it.
Call the clinic about a high bite, a crown that moves, or sensitivity that is not improving as you would expect.
Regular examinations let the crown, tooth and gums be monitored, so mention any worry that makes them hard to attend.
If your reflex makes a future appointment seem daunting, share that with the clinic ahead of time.
Talk with our team
Winnipeg North Dental
Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6Get directions (opens in a new tab)Scotia Heights is in Winnipeg, and crown treatment for its residents is carried out at Winnipeg North Dental, Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street. You will find a directions link here too.
If you would rather explain your gag reflex in person, phone (204) 338-3003. You can also send the online form, and the clinic follows up to confirm a time.
Questions about coverage?
Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.
Helpful details about dental crowns in Scotia Heights.
Ask our teamA gag reflex does not by itself decide suitability, which comes down to your tooth and an assessment. Tell the dentist how strong it is, so that you can talk about how the steps would work for you.
They feel different, and people react to each one in their own way. Ask which is planned for your crown, then describe what has been difficult for you before.
The records stage after the tooth is shaped is the most likely time. A bite record is taken then too, and X-rays may also come up during your assessment.
A temporary sits on the tooth in much the same way a crown does, though each person is different. If something seems to trigger you, let the clinic know.
No one can promise that. What you can do is tell the dentist what sets it off, and ask about options that might help during your treatment.
A quick mention during your call to (204) 338-3003 is enough, or put it in your appointment request on this page. It helps the clinic plan your Winnipeg visit.
If a crown is under discussion, or a routine visit is what you have been avoiding, these pages can tell you more about what is involved.
Book dental check-ups and cleanings in Winnipeg for preventive exams, tartar removal, gum monitoring and personalized home-care guidance.
Explore serviceLearn when custom inlays or onlays may repair a damaged back tooth in Winnipeg while preserving more natural structure than a full dental crown.
Explore serviceRestore cavities, chips and worn areas with tooth-coloured dental fillings in Winnipeg. Learn when repair is needed and what happens during treatment.
Explore serviceHave an urgent concern? Call (204) 338-3003 to discuss availability.
A reflex is not a reason to wait
Send us a crown assessment request and mention what you find difficult. We’ll follow up from McPhillips Street to set a time.
Patient testimonials
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