Guide to a Faster Recovery After Getting Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a common and highly effective solution for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. They are essentially caps that cover the entire tooth, providing strength, protection, and aesthetic improvement. Whether you’re getting a crown to protect a weakened tooth, restore its shape, or improve its appearance, the recovery process plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the procedure. Although dental crowns in Northridge are minimally invasive, proper care and attention to aftercare are essential to ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best results. 

Here’s your guide to speeding up the recovery process after getting dental crowns.

Understanding the Procedure

Before diving into recovery, it’s helpful to understand the dental crown procedure. Typically, getting a dental crown requires two visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, the affected tooth is prepared, reshaped, and possibly treated with a root canal if necessary. An impression of the tooth is taken, and a temporary crown is placed. The second appointment usually involves placing the permanent crown after it’s been fabricated.

The procedure itself is relatively simple, but as with any dental treatment, some post-procedure care is necessary to ensure proper healing and minimize any discomfort.

Immediate Aftercare: The First 24-48 Hours

Pain and Discomfort Management: After the dental crown procedure, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity around the treated area. This could last a few hours to a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate any pain. Be sure to follow the instructions given by your dentist or pharmacist to avoid complications. If the pain persists or intensifies, contact your dentist.

Avoid Hard Foods and Chewing on the Crowned Tooth: Right after getting your crown, it’s important to avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, especially on the side where the crown was placed. This will help protect the temporary crown if one was used and reduce the risk of dislodging or damaging the permanent crown before it fully settles into place. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies during the first 24-48 hours.

Mind Your Temporary Crown: If you have a temporary crown, be especially cautious with how you treat it. Temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent crowns and can become loose or break if you’re not careful. Avoid sticky foods, such as gum or caramel, that could dislodge the temporary crown. Additionally, try to avoid chewing hard foods or biting directly into something with the temporary crown to prevent it from coming loose.

Ongoing Aftercare: A Few Days to Weeks

Oral Hygiene: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial after getting a dental crown. After the first 24 hours, you can resume brushing your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the crown to avoid irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush the area thoroughly to remove plaque and food particles. Continue flossing daily but be extra cautious around the crown. You may be advised to use an interdental brush or floss threader to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the crown.

Rinsing With Saltwater: To reduce any potential swelling or discomfort, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day, especially after meals. Saltwater has natural antiseptic properties that help clean the area and promote faster healing. It can also soothe any irritation around the gum line of the crowned tooth.

Avoid Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth: If you have a habit of grinding your teeth (bruxism) or clenching your jaw, make sure to talk to your dentist about protective options such as a nightguard. Grinding and clenching can place excessive pressure on your dental crown, which may cause damage or dislodging. Wearing a nightguard while sleeping can protect both your crown and natural teeth.

Long-Term Aftercare: Maintaining the Health of Your Crown

Regular Check-ups: Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are important to ensure your dental crown is functioning properly and that there are no issues with the surrounding tooth or gums. During these visits, your dentist will check the crown’s fit and make any necessary adjustments if needed. Generally, you should plan on seeing your dentist for a check-up every six months.

Be Mindful of Your Bite: After the crown is placed, your dentist will check to ensure your bite is aligned properly. If you feel any discomfort while chewing or if the crown feels uneven, let your dentist know. Sometimes, a slight adjustment may be needed to ensure that the crown fits correctly and that you’re not placing unnecessary pressure on it while chewing.

Limit Staining Foods: Depending on the material of your crown, it may be prone to staining. Porcelain crowns, while durable and aesthetic, can discolor over time with excessive exposure to staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco. While the crown itself may be resistant to staining, the surrounding gum tissue may be more sensitive to these substances. Limiting or avoiding these foods and drinks can help maintain the appearance of your crown for longer.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet is crucial for oral health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods high in calcium will help maintain healthy gums and teeth, providing a stable foundation for your crown. Avoiding overly sugary foods will also reduce the risk of further dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect the longevity of your crown.

When to Seek Professional Help

In some cases, complications may arise after getting a dental crown. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist in Northridge right away:

• Severe pain or discomfort that doesn’t subside with medication

• The crown feels loose or comes off

• Signs of infection such as swelling, pus, or fever

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away

Conclusion

Recovering from a dental crown procedure is relatively straightforward, but following proper aftercare is crucial to ensuring long-term success. By managing pain, maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and attending follow-up appointments, you can enjoy a smooth recovery and keep your dental crown in optimal condition for many years. A little patience and care after the procedure will go a long way in protecting your investment and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.