Whether you’re dealing with a serious cavity, a broken tooth, or stubborn discoloration that simply won’t fade, dental crowns are one of the quickest and easiest methods of helping you. The efficacy and versatility of these restorations makes them a popular choice to deal with a wide variety of issues.
If you’re getting one soon, you may wonder what to expect from the aftercare process. Here’s what you should expect after getting your brand-new restoration, and what you can do to make recovery as easy as possible.
What Will I Feel Like After I Get My Dental Crown?
As you might know, it’s generally required to remove a small portion of your enamel in order to put the new dental crown in place. The tooth will be numbed before this is done, which means that you don’t need to worry about any discomfort during the procedure; however, once the anesthetic fades, you might experience a bit of sensitivity.
It’s common to be a little bit sore for the first few days after your tooth has been worked on, especially if the dental crown is associated with another treatment like a root canal. This should be fairly mild and short lived—usually, over-the-counter pain medicine will be enough to help you get through the healing process.
What Can I Do to Make Recovery Easier?
The healing process will be considerably easier and more comfortable if you take care to protect your new restoration. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods for the first few days.
- Gently brush and floss, avoiding the crowned area to prevent irritation.
- Stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the crown is fitting properly.
- Allow yourself time to rest and heal, avoiding strenuous activities.
If you notice that your discomfort gets worse instead of better over time you may want to talk to your dentist. It could be that a previous infection has returned, or that you’re dealing with another complication.
About Our Practice
At Cornerstone Dental, we believe that excellent dentistry is a combination of the latest in dental technology and diligent attention to the needs of our patients. In the case of restorations, this means offering you a wide range of options to support your teeth, as well as to work with you to ensure you’re getting the smile you deserve. We also offer CEREC same-day dental crowns, which means that you’ll be able to repair your teeth in no time at all.
If you have any questions about dental crowns, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (701) 237-3583.