Dentists have used dental crowns to repair damaged teeth and protect them from further injury and infection for centuries, and modern restorations are more durable, functional, and beautifully lifelike than ever before. While your dental crown should feel remarkably comfortable after you get used to wearing it, you can expect some discomfort during the recovery process. Here’s a brief guide to how dental crowns are placed and how complying with your dentists’ aftercare instructions can keep you comfortable and prevent infections.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
Dental crowns are typically placed in as few as two appointments. During the first, your dentist will administer an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that you feel no pain before carefully removing any decayed or compromised dental structure from the treated tooth. They will then take bite impressions and fit the tooth with a temporary restoration to keep it protected while your permanent crown is being made.
Using these bite impressions, a skilled technician at a dental laboratory will carefully craft your final crown to ensure that it fits with the rest of the smile and provides the tooth wearing it with maximum protection and biting force. When your restoration is ready, you’ll come back to your dentist’s office to have your temporary crown removed and your permanent one fixed in place. You’ll then be ready to show off your beautifully restored smile.
How Can I Stay Comfortable After Receiving a Dental Crown?
As you get used to wearing it, your dental crown should become increasingly comfortable until you barely notice it there. However, many patients will experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure. The treated tooth and the gum tissue supporting it will probably be sensitive, and the patient may experience some soreness when chewing. To stay comfortable while recovering, stick to the following guidelines:
- Practice oral hygiene normally after receiving your crown but be gentle when cleaning around the restoration.
- Avoid chewy, crunchy, hard, acidic, or spicy foods and beverages until you can enjoy them comfortably.
- Chew on the side of your mouth opposite to the crown while its cement is still setting.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers and oral analgesics to reduce your discomfort.
A dental crown can help your smile stay healthy and beautiful for fifteen years or more before needing replacement if you treat it with excellent care. If your discomfort after receiving a crown isn’t diminishing or seems to be getting worse after several days, contact your dentist for help.
About the Practice
St. Albans Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in the city. Led by Drs. Tyler Aten, Kelsey Cone, and Mekayla Davico, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, emergency, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about recovering after receiving a dental crown, contact the office online or dial (802) 524-4844.