Your London Invisalign® Provider
What To Expect
The recovery period after a dental crown tends to be relatively short - lasting for a few days at most. While it is normal for patients to experience some sensitivity or discomfort during this time, the irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure will subside fairly quickly in most cases.
Numbness from Anaesthetic
There is a good chance that your dentist will use a local anesthetic during your procedure. Expect the numbing effect to last for a few hours afterward before it begins to gradually wear off.
Be sure to keep your mouth as safe as possible when you're eating, and stay away from hot foods and liquids to avoid injuring your mouth while it's numb.
You may also experience some minor bruising and inflammation around the injection site, but this will subside on its own after a few days and does not usually necessitate the use of any additional medications.
Pain & Discomfort
It is normal to experience some minor discomfort and pain after the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. This usually subsides within a few days, or at the most, a few weeks, of the procedure being completed.
If you are experiencing discomfort, you should consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the discomfort during this time. Ibuprofen is frequently prescribed to patients in order to alleviate pain and make them more comfortable while they recover. However, speak to your dentist before taking any sort of medication for pain.
As a result of the irritation caused by the dental cement (which was used to secure the crown), you may notice that the gums surrounding the restored tooth are also feeling a little sensitive.
During the following few weeks, if the pain you are experiencing does not subside or becomes more severe, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
Living with Your New Crown
Throughout your recovery period, avoid eating anything that is hard, sticky, or chewy for the first 24 hours. During the days and weeks following your procedure, you can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet.
It is normal for a new crown to feel a little strange at first – almost as if it doesn't quite fit properly. Once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new restoration, however, you will most likely stop noticing it altogether.
If your bite does not feel normal after about a week, it is possible that the crown will need to be adjusted in order for it to fit properly. In this case, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist.
Dental crowns are easy to care for. Simply care for them the same way as you care for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as twice-yearly visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings will help you to keep your dental crowns in great shape for years to come.