If a broken tooth has been bothering you recently, you probably can’t wait to have your dentist place a dental crown over it to relieve the pain. Still, part of you might be worried about whether the procedure will hurt. Rest assured that your dentist will keep you comfortable the entire time, but it may take a few days for your mouth to feel back to normal afterward. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect after getting a crown and some easy dental crown aftercare tips.
Your Mouth Might Be Numb for a Few Hours
Before preparing your tooth for a crown, your dentist will most likely administer local anesthetic to the tissue near the tooth. This will keep that area of your mouth numb during the procedure. The numbness may linger for a few more hours, so it’s best to avoid eating until it has worn off. Otherwise, you risk biting your tongue or the inside of your cheek without even realizing it.
Discomfort & Sensitivity May Last for Several Days
Once the numbness subsides, the newly crowned tooth will probably feel sore. Additionally, you might feel pain where the anesthetic was injected. To minimize discomfort, it’s a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before the numbness completely dissipates.
Another way to reduce pain is to rinse your mouth with a salt water solution two or three times a day. Not only does this soothe the irritated soft tissues in your mouth, but it also kills bacteria, decreasing the risk of infection.
For the next few days, your crowned tooth might feel sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. During this period, avoid coffee, ice cream, and other foods or beverages with extreme temperatures that may aggravate sensitivity.
Caring for Your Temporary Dental Crown
You’ll wear your temporary crown for a few weeks until the permanent one arrives at your dentist’s office from a dental lab. Since temporaries are weaker and not as firmly bonded to your tooth as permanent crowns, you’ll have to take special care of them.
Stay away from foods that are particularly sticky or hard to prevent your crown from becoming dislodged or fractured, respectively. Better yet, try to avoid chewing directly with that tooth altogether. Be sure to maintain regular oral hygiene, but when flossing next to the crowned tooth, slide the floss out of the space between the teeth rather than lifting it up.
As long as you follow your dentist’s directions, dental crown recovery should proceed without a hitch. Of course, call your dentist if you experience discomfort or pain that worsens instead of subsiding, or if your crown comes off. With their expertise and guidance, you’ll soon have a permanent crown that can protect your tooth for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Sara Curcio is a dentist in South Windsor, CT who graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 2006. In 2020, she was voted by her peers as one of Connecticut’s Top Dentists! She uses only the most durable and natural-looking materials to create dental crowns that restore appearance and function to damaged teeth. To learn more about what to do after getting a dental crown, reach out to Dr. Curcio at 860-644-2476.