What Should You Expect After Getting a Dental Crown?

So, you’ve got a new dental crown from your dentist. Odds are you’re happy to be through with the treatment. That said, don’t forget you’ll need time to recover. Your mouth still has to adjust to the prosthetic. Luckily, getting used to the dental cap isn’t hard. In fact, your local Dallas dentist can even help with the process. To that end, here’s what to expect while recovering from crown treatment and some useful crown care tips.

What To Expect from Dental Crown Recovery

Once your dental crown is placed, you must undergo a brief recovery. You can expect the latter to include the following:

Temporary Numbness

There’s a good chance the dentist used an anesthetic for your crown procedure. In that case, the numbing effect may be present for several hours after the dental appointment.

While the numbness persists, you shouldn’t drink hot liquids or chew hard foods. You might burn or bite yourself unknowingly due to not feeling the warning sensations. Instead, wait until the effect fades before having the referenced items.

Minor Pain & Sensitivity

After the numbing effect is gone, you’ll likely feel some pain or discomfort in the treatment area. Still, this change isn’t something to worry about. The aches should improve on their own after several days or weeks.

Of course, it’s possible to manage the discomfort in the meantime. One option is to apply a topical anesthetic gel you might find at your local pharmacy. Another, meanwhile, is to take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth would also be useful.

If your pain lasts beyond a few weeks or worsens, don’t hesitate to see your local dentist. They can offer advice or even resolve the matter themselves.

Tips on Caring for Your Crown

Your crown could last 15 years or longer with the proper care. To ensure that happens, consider the tips listed below:

• Visit your dentist for six-month checkups and cleanings
• Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice daily, floss once daily, rinse often with an ADA-approved mouthwash)
• Follow a mouth-healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, dairy products, and leafy greens
• To prevent chips in your crown, avoid overly sticky, hard, and chewy foods

So long as you handle yourself well, your new dental crown will work splendidly. With that said, be careful with your recovery, and remember the tips above!

About the Practice

Ross Avenue Family Dental is based in Dallas, TX. Led by Dr. Xinxing Liu, our practice strives to make your dental care effective and relaxing. In particular, we combine comprehensive dentistry with easy availability and flexible payment options. Our office also takes pride in accepting a wide variety of PPO dental insurance plans. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (469)-210-7223.