A dental crown is a cap that mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. This dental restoration is used to support and reinforce a weakened tooth and protect it from damage in the future. The procedure of dental crown placement is pain-free as it is done using local anesthetic. However, there is a recovery period after the procedure. If you need to protect your teeth with dental crowns, please read our article to learn what to expect after getting dental crowns and how to make your recovery smoother.
What to Expect After Getting Dental Crowns
Experiencing side effects and discomfort after placing a dental crown is normal and not a cause for concern. However, remember that these side effects should subside within several days. If you still feel pain or swelling after that period, consult your dentist immediately. Below, we listed the most common symptoms patients might have in the recovery period after dental crown placement.
Sore and Swollen Gums
A couple of hours after the procedure, the numbing caused by the anesthetic will fade, and you will most likely start feeling tenderness or soreness in the gums surrounding the new crown. The gums can also be swollen or bruised.
If the gum soreness causes you significant discomfort, it can be remedied with over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen. You can also use a saltwater rinse several times a day to prevent infection. Using an ice compress and keeping your head elevated when lying down can help with swelling.
Tooth Sensitivity
You might notice that your teeth react to cold and hot temperatures after the procedure. These sensitivities are temporary and caused by your dentist removing a thin layer of the tooth’s enamel before placing the crown. The dentin becomes exposed as a result of the enamel removal, leading to sensitivity.
Once your tooth is healed and used to the new crown, the crown will insulate and protect the tooth, preventing extreme sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can last for a couple of weeks after the treatment. The level of discomfort caused by the sensitivity can vary depending on the amount of the enamel removed. Some patients do not experience sensitivity at all if a tiny portion of the enamel is removed.
Sometimes, sensitivity can persist if the crown is too elevated. If you experience sensitivity for more than two weeks, ask your dentist to check the position of the crown.
Gum Inflammation
In some cases, the newly placed dental crown will rub against the gum tissue and cause inflammation. Food residue can also get trapped between your tooth and the crown, causing inflammation. Such inflammation should go away with time, and saltwater rinses can help to reduce the inflammation. However, if gum inflammation lasts for more than several days, make an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. The position of your crown might need to be adjusted.
Recovery Tips After Getting a Dental Crown
Proper care during the recovery period after getting a new dental crown will help you heal quickly.
- Avoid eating right after the procedure before the anesthetic wears off entirely. Your mouth will be numb for a couple of hours, and you might accidentally bite with too much force, damaging the crown.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Consider using a water flosser to enhance your hygiene along the gumline, where the crown meets the gum tissue. Be careful using a traditional flossing thread around the crown—slide it carefully instead of pulling it with force.
- Adjust your diet in the first several days after the procedure. Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods and very cold or hot foods and beverages. Also, try chewing food on the unaffected side of your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day to reduce gum inflammation.
- If your dentist prescribes you antibiotics, make sure to complete the entire course according to their recommendations.
- Use over-the-counter painkillers to ease the pain after the procedure, but never exceed the recommended dose.
- Visit your dentist as soon as possible if you feel persistent acute pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products during the recovery, as they significantly slow down the healing process.
Make an Appointment Today
Do not hesitate to contact our professional dental office today and make an appointment with one of our dental crown specialists. We provide top-quality dental crowns that will serve you for years to come. We look forward to welcoming you to Encino Family Dental!
