Often, a dental crown is necessary to save a severely damaged, discolored, misshapen, or decayed tooth. A crown is a cup-like dental restoration placed on a tooth to repair or hide the damage. Since the crown covers the entire tooth structure, it significantly improves the tooth’s strength, stability, and appearance.
A dental crown covers a tooth after a root canal treatment, supports a dental bridge, or covers a dental implant. In most cases, you’ll receive two crowns – a temporary crown and a permanent crown. Contact our dentist for dental crowns in Plymouth, NH.
Following a dental crown procedure, you must follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to facilitate proper and faster healing. It’s worth noting that it takes time for a new crown to heal and function like a natural tooth.
The dental cement that binds the crown to the tooth needs time to solidify. Any disturbances or extreme force can dislodge your new crown. Your gums and teeth may also be sensitive after the procedure. Avoid any habit that can worsen these symptoms.
To help you recover properly and quickly, here’s a list of things to avoid after a dental crown procedure:
Since placing a dental crown requires teeth shaving, the dentist will numb you to prevent pain and anxiety. You may feel the numbing effect for several hours after the procedure. No matter how tempting or safe it might feel to eat, it would be best if you didn’t chew while your mouth is numb. Since your normal sensations of heat and pain aren’t functional, you’re prone to bite or burn yourself or irritate your sore gums. For this reason, it’s essential to avoid chewing or taking hot liquids until the anesthetic wears off.
Immediately after crown placement, the crown needs more time to set and solidify fully. Any moderate to excessive pressure will likely dislodge, chip, or loosen the crown. It can cause the need to reinstall the crown all over again. For the next three days, completely avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy food items like caramel, nuts, toffee, carrots, and popcorn. Instead, stick to soft food items like eggs, soft vegetables and fruits, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal.
Following a dental crown procedure, it’s normal to experience discomfort like a sore, swollen, and sensitive gums or tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will likely prescribe some medication to alleviate the discomfort. You can also use home remedies like ice packs and saltwater rinses. Fortunately, these effects only last for a few days.
While rare, complications can happen. Contact your dentist immediately if your symptoms worsen or persist. Seek emergency dental care if you experience fever, infections, and other serious side effects.
While it might be tempting, completely avoid touching the crowned tooth with your fingers or tongue. When brushing and flossing, brush gently around the restored tooth. Too much pressure can cause the crown to dislodge, crack, or loosen.
While rare, a crown can be placed incorrectly. The crown can be higher than the adjacent teeth, feel loose, or cause significant discomfort. Notify your dentist if your crown doesn’t feel right. An ill-fitting crown can cause decay and other complications.
Like your natural teeth, a dental crown can get damaged if neglected. For instance, a crown can chip, crack, fall out, or develop decay in the underlying tooth. Keep your crown in perfect condition by maintaining excellent dental hygiene, and avoid damaging habits like chewing hard foods and non-food items like pens and nails. Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings and maintain a healthy diet.
Are you interested in dental crowns and other restorative treatments? Contact Dental Arts of Plymouth to book an appointment with our dentist in Plymouth, NH.
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