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Usually, the recovery period after a dental crown has been placed lasts for several days at most. While it's normal for patients to feel some sensitivity or discomfort during this time, the irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure will usually go away relatively quickly in most situations.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
Your dentist may use a local anesthetic throughout your procedure, and the numbing effect will last several hours after your procedure has been completed before steadily wearing off.
When you are eating keep your mouth as safe as possible, and avoid hot foods and liquids to prevent injury when your mouth is still numb.
You might also discover a bit of minor bruising and inflammation near the injection site, but this will go away on its own after several days and doesn't generally require any additional medications.
Pain & Discomfort
You'll probably experience some minor discomfort and pain once the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. This usually goes away in a few days, or at the most, a few weeks, after the procedure has been done.
If you are experiencing discomfort, you should consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the discomfort during this time. Ibuprofen is frequently prescribed to patients in order to alleviate pain and make them more comfortable while they recover. However, speak to your dentist before taking any sort of medication for 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
Throughout your recovery period, we recommend avoiding any foods that are chew, sticky, or hard 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. However, after your mouth has gotten used to the new restoration, you will probably stop noticing it altogether.
But, if your bite doesn't feel normal after approximately a week, it is possible that the crown will have to be readjusted for it to fit properly. In this case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Dental crowns should be cared for the same way as natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings, as necessary. In order to keep your teeth healthy and your crown in good working order, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily. Dental crowns can last for many years if they are maintained properly.