If you have an upcoming appointment to get a dental crown, you might be feeling a little unsure, especially if it’s your first time. Don’t worry – knowing what to expect after the procedure can help you feel more confident and prepared. While recovery is typically quick, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity and soreness as your mouth heals. Read along for a closer look at the recovery process and some helpful tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.
What Happens After a Dental Crown Procedure?
During your initial visit, your dentist will carefully shape the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crown. Because your custom-made permanent crown takes about two weeks to be fabricated by the dental lab, you’ll be fitted with a temporary one in the meantime.
After this first step, it’s common to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days. These symptoms are a natural reaction to the procedure and can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return for placement. You might feel some sensitivity or irritation around the gum area following this second appointment as well, but it should subside quickly. While adjusting to your new crown may take time, it should not cause prolonged pain. If you do experience significant discomfort or difficulty chewing, be sure to contact your dentist right away.
Managing Discomfort After Your Crown Placement
Mild swelling or tenderness is normal and temporary. To help ease any discomfort and support the healing process, try these simple tips:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water twice a day
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, which can trigger sensitivity
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your dentist
- Brush your teeth carefully, especially around the crowned tooth, to keep the area clean
How to Care for Your New Crown
Even though your crown is meant to be durable, it still requires proper care to ensure it lasts. Also, the natural tooth below the crown is still vulnerable to decay and gum disease, making good oral hygiene essential.
Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy smile:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Use an ADA-approved mouthwash to rinse and reduce bacteria
- Limit sticky, crunchy, or hard foods that could damage your crown
- Avoid tobacco products, which can stain your crown and harm your gums
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups
About the Author
Dr. Fisher is a proud graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has advanced training in specialties like geriatric dentistry, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. With over 20 years of experience maintaining healthy smiles in Greensboro, you can have peace of mind knowing your pearly whites are in the right hands. For more dental crown recovery tips, visit his website or call (336) 203-8884.