You’ll likely be fitted with a dental crown if you have an overly damaged tooth or recently underwent a root canal procedure. These tooth-shaped caps are made from resilient ceramic or resin that are customized to match the size and shade of your natural teeth. Then, they’re bonded over the injured tooth to shield it from harm while restoring its appearance and functionality.
These prosthetics are used to safeguard your smile, but many patients worry about recovering from this procedure because they’re worried it could hurt. Continue reading to learn more about 3 things to expect after your appointment to set your mind at ease!
Item #1: Numbness
Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around your troubled tooth so that you don’t feel any discomfort while they work. Depending on the medication used, it’s possible for the impact to last several hours after your procedure. During this time, you might accidentally injure yourself by biting your inner cheek or eating something so hot that it burns.
To avoid potential problems, you might want to wait until the effects of the drug wear off to eat or drink anything besides water.
Item #2: Discomfort
Although it’s customized to fit like a glove, your mouth may need some time to accommodate its presence. It’s normal to experience some mild to moderate aches as your teeth and gums adjust to the dimensions of your dental crown. Furthermore, the cement used to anchor it over your broken tooth can sometimes cause temporary irritation or inflammation.
Usually, applying an oral gel with a topical analgesic or taking over-the-counter meds like Tylenol or ibuprofen is enough to mitigate these symptoms. However, if you have pain that persists for several weeks or becomes severe, contact your dentist so they can ensure that your prosthetic is fitting correctly.
Item #3: Diet Changes
Despite being made from resilient ceramic or resin, your new tooth isn’t completely invincible. Certain foods and drinks can damage it, detracting from your oral well-being and appearance.
You might want to stick to soft foods immediately after your dental crown is placed to avoid triggering aches or inflammation. That said, it’s wise to watch what you eat even after you’ve healed fully. Overly hard foods can chip or crack your restoration, leaving the underlying tooth vulnerable to bacterial infection. Similarly, super sticky options might yank it out of place. Following any dietary restrictions your dentist provides is the best way to keep it in good condition for the long term.
Your dentist might give you additional instructions to follow after your appointment to help you recover as quickly as possible without developing any complications!
About the Practice
At Premier Dental Care, you benefit from two dentists who provide a full array of top-quality treatments to improve your oral health. Dr. Bakhtyari and Dr. Refahi share 20+ years of combined experience and take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals. Then, they tailor your treatment plan to meet them. They combine a culture of excellence with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver world-class services for accurate results, including digital impressions. If you think you need a dental crown, you can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 860-8860.