Dental crowns are restorative solutions dentists use to preserve natural teeth plagued by damage or decay. Instead of extracting them, custom-made restorations are crafted and placed over the visible portions to prevent future reinfection. If you recently learned that you need a dental crown, you may wonder what recovery will be like. Keep reading to find out what steps you can take to alleviate any discomfort and ensure successful healing.
What is the Dental Crown Placement Process Like?
When receiving a dental crown, your dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth so that you feel no pain. They will then remove any decayed portions and reshape it so there is plenty of room for the new restoration.
After this is completed, they will take an impression of your smile before sending it to a lab for technicians to use when fabricating your crown. Since it can take a few weeks for it to be ready, you will wear a temporary restoration between appointments.
Once it is finished, you will return to your dentist’s office to have the temporary removed, and the finalized crown will be secured in place over the top of your tooth.
What Will Recovery Be Like?
After your first appointment, you will be wearing a temporary crown when you return home. During this time, you will need to make sure that you follow all instructions provided by your dentist to avoid reinfection, damage, or detachment. You can do this by:
- Not eating anything until the anesthesia wears off. Trying to consume any food while numb can cause damage to your soft oral tissues or teeth.
- Take pain-relieving medication as instructed to alleviate discomfort (i.e., ibuprofen), as it can also help reduce inflammation.
- Use topical anesthetic gel to reduce tooth sensitivity, which can be caused by dental cement.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste while brushing.
- Avoid eating anything sticky, hard, or chewy while wearing a temporary crown, as it can cause it to become detached or damaged.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth while eating.
- While wearing a temporary crown, avoid flossing next to it, and pull floss out from between teeth instead of trying to lift it.
- Continue to practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of future reinfection by brushing twice each day, flossing at least once, and rinsing accordingly.
Living with one or more dental crowns comes naturally after a short adjustment phase. By following the instructions provided by your dentist, you can expect to recover well after receiving your custom restoration, giving you a chance to enjoy life with a functional, healthy, and beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Brooklyn City Dental consists of five highly skilled dentists who work together to provide comprehensive dentistry in one convenient location. Offering dental crowns to those who struggle with significant decay, these restorations can be crafted to blend in nicely with existing smiles as well as feel and act just like regular teeth. If you or a loved one needs help to improve your oral health by addressing a damaged tooth, contact us at (718) 725-7732.