If you had a severely damaged or decayed tooth, then you might have gotten a dental crown to protect it. This handy restoration helps restore the function and look of a pearly white. But like with any other treatment, you will need to take a short bit to recover afterward. Thankfully, it’s generally an easy process. Here is what you can expect and how you can care for your crown for years to come.
What Can I Expect After Dental Crown Placement?
After you get this restoration placed, you may be excited to immediately start getting use of it and dig into your favorite foods. However, you should know that it’s normal that you experience some sensitivity or aches. This happens because your mouth isn’t fully used to the crown yet. It’ll take some time until you’re fully adjusted, but any discomfort you feel should go away a little more each day.
If you notice that any pain you feel is worsening or persistent, then consider calling your dentist. Having them take a second look can help ensure everything is fitting perfectly and nothing is out of the ordinary.
What Can I Do to Ease Any Discomfort?
Although you might feel some minor discomfort, there are things you can do to get some relief. Here are some easy tips:
- Avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods as they can pull at your crown or require a stronger bite force to get through.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for the first couple of days.
- Gently brush and floss around the restoration.
- Take some over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, just be sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
How Can I Care for My Dental Crown?
When you are all through with your recovery, then you might be curious about how you can keep your crown last as long as possible. Their expected life span is 10 to 15+ years, but it may need to be replaced sooner than expected if you aren’t careful. Here are some easy tips you can follow:
- Limit sticky, crunchy, or hard foods as they can pull at the restoration or cause some damage.
- Stick to your oral hygiene routine by brushing twice and flossing at least once a day to remove harmful bacteria.
- Have regular checkups with your dentist. They will be able to make sure it’s in great condition and take steps against anything of concern if they arise.
About the Practice
At Washington Dental Care, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Peter Hammes and Dr. Kakar. Our team is here to help you restore your smile with the right treatment for you, such as a dental crown. By ensuring they are made from high-quality materials, you can trust they’ll last for years to come. If you want to learn what you can expect after a crown placement, schedule an appointment or call our office at (312) 766-5412.
