What to Expect After Getting a Dental Crown

Dental crowns may not be the most flashy or exciting restorative treatment, but they are one of the most sought-after when it comes to addressing dental decay and damage. Since their durability and lifelike appearance often steal the spotlight, many patients aren’t sure what to expect after their appointment and throughout the recovery process. Here’s a quick guide to help!

#1. Numbness from the Anesthetic

To ensure you remain comfortable throughout your appointment, your dentist will numb your mouth thoroughly. So, there’s a good chance the effects will linger even after you leave the office. Until the numbness subsides, you shouldn’t eat anything. After all, you don’t want to accidentally bite down hard on your tongue or cheek and have to return for an emergency visit!

#2. Some Discomfort and Sensitivity

Once the numbness dissipates, you may begin to feel some discomfort and sensitivity. Placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, rinsing with a mixture of salt and warm water, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can all help keep you comfortable. To avoid exacerbating these symptoms, don’t eat hard, chewy, and sticky foods and keep your head elevated while you sleep.

#3. A Few Changes to Your Diet

Thanks to 1-visit CEREC® dental crowns, the 3–4-week process of restoring your tooth gets condensed down into a single appointment. While you won’t have to worry about caring for a temporary restoration, it’s still a good idea to make a few tweaks to your diet. For example, you shouldn’t eat foods with a lot of added sugar since this increases your chances of developing a cavity. Especially hard and crunchy foods (like popcorn and pretzels) should also be avoided since they can result in additional discomfort. In short, you should stick to vitamin-rich, soft foods following your appointment, like vegetable soup, oatmeal, and yogurt.

#4. A Gentler Oral Hygiene Regimen

Naturally, keeping your mouth clean following your appointment is crucial. While your dentist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions specific to you, here are a few general best practices:

• Rinse with a mixture of salt and warm water for 15 seconds at a time (do not swallow)
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to gently clean your teeth, gums, and dental crown
• Carefully floss between each tooth
• Refrain from unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and chewing on ice

Getting the dental crown is only the first part – the recovery is equally as important! Fortunately, you now know a bit more about what to expect. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist.

About the Practice

Leading our team at Boerne Dental Center are three exceptional dentists, each as passionate as the next about creating healthy, happy smiles. With their education, training, and experience, they are proud to offer a wide range of treatment options, including 1-visit CEREC® dental crowns. So, if you need a dental crown, have a question about the process of restoring your tooth, or want to learn more about the recovery, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (830) 249-2045.