Your Kanata Invisalign® Provider
Are you scheduled to have a dental crown placed? Today our dentists in Kanata outline what you can expect as you recover from your dental crown procedure.
After Your Crown is Placed
After a dental crown has been placed, some patients may need a few days (at most) to recover. While it's normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity during this period, the irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure should subside quickly in most cases.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
Your dentist likely used a local anesthetic during your dental crown procedure. If this is true in your case, the numbing effect will likely last for a few hours afterward before gradually wearing off.
While the numbness lasts it's important to keep your mouth as safe as possible when you eat or drink. Avoid hot beverages and foods to keep from injuring your mouth while it's still numb.
You might also experience some minor inflammation and bruising around the injection site. However, this should vanish on its own after a few days. Additional medications aren't generally necessary.
Pain & Discomfort
You'll likely experience some minor discomfort and pain after the numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Typically, this subsides within a few days, or a few weeks at most, of the procedure being done.
If you are experiencing discomfort, you should consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the discomfort during this time. Ibuprofen is frequently prescribed to patients to alleviate pain and make them more comfortable while they recover. However, speak to your dentist before taking any sort of medication for pain.
As a result of the irritation caused by the dental cement (which was used to secure the crown), you may notice that the gums surrounding the restored tooth are also feeling a little sensitive.
During the following few weeks, if the pain you are experiencing does not subside or if it becomes more severe, contact our office to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
Life with Your New Crown
During your recovery period, avoid eating anything 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 likely stop noticing it altogether.
That said, if you do not adjust to the presence of the new crown, or if your bite does not feel normal after about a week, the crown may need to be adjusted slightly to achieve a more comfortable fit. In this case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Dental crowns do not require any special care. Simply care for them the same way as natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. To keep your teeth healthy and your crown in good working order, practicing good oral hygiene every day is key. Dental crowns can last for many years if they are maintained properly.