The recovery period after a dental crown procedure typically lasts for a few days, as your body does have a little bit of recuperating to do. But if your dentist has informed you that you’re going to need a dental crown, you truly have nothing to worry about! Here are four things you can expect to deal with after receiving your new dental crown to help you ensure a smooth recovery.
1. Numbness Following the Procedure
You can expect the numbing effect of the general anesthesia to last for several hours after the dental appointment. However, this is completely normal! That said, it’s still important to be mindful of your mouth; you can unknowingly bite or burn yourself if you aren’t careful, so it’s advised that you avoid drinking hot liquids or chewing hard foods during this time.
2. Mild Sensitivity
Many patients experience some mild discomfort in the affected area of the mouth following the procedure, but this typically improves after several days without any assigned treatment. You might also have some bruising and inflammation at the site of the anesthetic injection, particularly on the lower jaw. Store-bought painkillers such as Ibuprofen can help to manage any pain you might experience. In some cases, a topical anesthetic gel can also be applied. If your pain remains after several weeks, contact your dentist immediately.
3. A Temporary Dental Crown
Many patients who need a dental crown will receive a temporary crown prior to getting their permanent one. This temporary crown requires special care and attention, as it’s quite fragile and can easily be displaced! You should avoid sticky or chewy foods, as well as hard foods that could damage or disrupt it. Also try to chew foods on the opposite side of the mouth from the crown, and also avoid flossing next to it.
4. Oral Care During Recovery
Once your permanent crown has been placed, you can proceed to eat normally—but it’s important to continue showing caution, to help prolong your crown’s lifespan. Additionally, you should practice good oral hygiene! Crowns are still susceptible to tooth decay, particularly along the gum line of the abutment tooth. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and carefully floss.
As with any sort of restorative dental treatment, knowing what to expect following the procedure can help to ensure that your solution lasts for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Robert C. Sikes has proudly served patients and families in the Mt Pleasant, TX area for several years. Dr. Sikes received his dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you have any questions about dental crowns or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the Dr. Sikes through his practice’s website or over the phone: (903) 572-9720.