Your Okanagan Valley Invisalign® Provider
After a dental crown has been placed, you'll need only a few days at most to recover. While it's normal for patients to experience some discomfort or sensitivity during this time, the irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure will disappear fairly quickly in most cases.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
Your dentist may have used a local anesthetic during your procedure. The numbing effect from this will last for a few hours afterward before gradually wearing off.
Refrain from eating hot foods and liquids to avoid injuring your mouth while it's numb, and make sure to keep your mouth safe while eating.
You may also notice some minor brushing and inflammation surrounding the injection site, but this will vanish on its own after a few days and does not require taking any additional medications.
Pain & Discomfort
You'll likely experience some minor discomfort and pain after numbness due to anesthesia has worn off. This will typically subside within a few days, or at the most a few weeks, of your dentist performing the procedure.
If you are experiencing discomfort, consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to help manage discomfort during this period. Ibuprofen is frequently prescribed to patients to alleviate pain and help them feel more comfortable as they recover. That said, speak to your dentist before taking any kind of pain medication.
As a result of the irritation caused by dental cement (which was used to secure the crown) you might notice that gums around the restored tooth are feeling somewhat sensitive.
During the following few weeks, if the pain you are experiencing becomes more severe or does not go away, please contact our office to book an appointment for further evaluation.
Living with Your New Crown
During your recovery period, avoid eating anything that is hard, sticky, or chewy for the first 24 hours. During the days and weeks following your procedure, you can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet.
It is normal for a new crown to feel a little strange at first – almost as if it doesn't quite fit properly. Once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new restoration, however, you will most likely stop noticing it altogether.
That said, if your bite does not feel normal after about a week, it is possible that the crown will need to be adjusted in order for it to fit properly. In this case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Dental crowns should be cared for the same way as natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings, as necessary. In order to keep your teeth healthy and your crown in good working order, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily. Dental crowns can last for many years if they are maintained properly.