Tips for Recovery After a Dental Crown Procedure

When a broken or damaged tooth has brought you down, a dental crown can get your smile and oral health back on track. You are searching for pain relief, but maybe you are worried if the procedure itself will hurt. While you can rest assured your dentist will keep you comfortable the entire time, it may take a few days for your mouth to feel back to normal afterward. Here’s a breakdown from your dentist in Gilbert of what to expect after getting a crown and some simple aftercare tips.

Your Mouth May Be Numb for a Few Hours

Before preparing your tooth for a crown, your dentist will most likely administer a local anesthetic to the tissue near the tooth. It will keep that area of your mouth numb during the procedure. The numbness may linger for a few more hours, so it’s best to avoid eating until it has worn off. Otherwise, you risk biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek without even realizing it.

Sensitivity and Discomfort May Last for a Few Days

Once the numbness subsides, the newly crowned tooth will probably feel sore. Additionally, you might feel pain where the anesthetic was injected. To minimize discomfort, it’s a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before the numbness completely dissipates.

Another method to reduce pain is to rinse your mouth with a salt water solution 2-3 times a day. Not only does this soothe the irritated soft tissues in your mouth, but it also kills bacteria to decrease the risk of infection.

For the next few days, your crowned tooth might feel sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. During this time, avoid coffee, ice cream, and other foods or beverages with extreme temperatures that may aggravate sensitivity.

How to Care for Your Temporary Dental Crown

You’ll wear your temporary crown for a few weeks until the permanent one arrives at your dentist’s office from a dental lab. Since temporaries are weaker and not as firmly bonded to your tooth as permanent crowns, you’ll have to take special care of them.

Stay away from foods that are particularly sticky or hard to prevent your crown from becoming dislodged or fractured, respectively. Better yet, try to avoid chewing directly with that tooth altogether. Be sure to maintain regular oral hygiene, but when flossing next to the crowned tooth, slide the floss out of the space between the teeth rather than raising it.

As long as you follow your dentist’s directions, dental crown recovery should proceed without a hitch. Of course, call your dentist if you experience discomfort or pain that worsens instead of subsiding, or if your crown comes off. With their expertise and guidance, you’ll soon have a permanent crown that can protect your tooth for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her dental doctorate from Creighton University. In 2005, she opened Desert Springs Dental. A member of the American Dental Association, she built upon her skills in restorative, cosmetic, and neuromuscular dentistry at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. If you are interested in a dental crown, Dr. Condie offers customized creations made from high-quality materials, dental insurance is welcome, and flexible financing is available. Schedule an appointment on her website or call (480) 279-3100.