Your Camrose Invisalign® Provider
The recovery period after a dental crown has been placed typically lasts for a few days at most. While it is normal for patients to experience some sensitivity or discomfort during this time, the irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure will subside fairly quickly in most cases.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
It's possible that your dentist has used a local anesthetic during your procedure and the numbing effect will last for a few hours before eventually wearing off.
Make sure to keep your mouth as safe as possible while eating, and stay away from hot liquids and foods so you don't accidentally injure your mouth while it's numbed.
You may also experience some minor bruising and inflammation around the injection site, but this will subside on its own after a few days and does not usually necessitate the use of any additional medications.
Pain & Discomfort
You will likely experience some minor discomfort and pain after the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. This usually subsides within a few days, or at the most, a few weeks, of the procedure is completed.
If you are experiencing some discomfort, you should think about taking over-the-counter medications to help manage the feeling during this time. Ibuprofen is often prescribed to patients to help alleviate their pain and make them feel more comfortable while they recover. Make sure you ask your dentist before taking any medication to treat 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 becomes more severe, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
Living 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 most likely stop noticing it altogether.
That said, if your bite does not feel normal after about a week, the crown may need to be adjusted for it to fit properly. In this case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Dental crowns should be cared for in the same way that you care for your natural teeth, with routine brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups necessary. To keep your teeth healthy and crown in good condition, practicing good daily oral hygiene is critical.
If maintained properly, dental crowns can last for many, many years.