3 Tips on What to Expect After Getting a Dental Crown

Are you in need of a dental crown in Dallas? This restorative treatment is meant to cover the top of a damaged tooth. Doing so protects and restores its strength and function simultaneously. While the benefits of getting a dental crown are clear, you may appreciate some advice on what to expect for the post-care process. Keep reading to learn a few tips about the recovery period after getting a dental crown!

Tip #1: Numbness From Local Anesthetic

Once your procedure is completed, you may feel some numbness afterward. This is especially the case if your dentist used local anesthesia to help keep you relaxed and safe during the treatment. However, this also prevents you from feeling most sensations, such as extreme temperatures and pain. For this reason, you should avoid eating or drinking hot liquids and hard foods after your procedure. The numbing effects should go away on their own over time.

Tip #2: Mild Sensitivity or Discomfort

After the numbness dissipates, it’s common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity where your dental crown was placed. This can be due to irritation on the surrounding gums from the dental cement. While this can usually vanish after a few days, you might consider getting a topical anesthetic gel from your local pharmacy in case you need the extra relief. If any discomfort continues after several weeks or is severe, be sure to visit your dentist right away as they may need to adjust your crowns for a proper fit.

Tip #3: Maintaining Your Crowns During Recovery

While you can probably eat most of your usual meals after your treatment, you may want to especially avoid sticky foods. This is to allow the dental cement to keep your crown properly fitted to your abutment tooth. Over time, you can gradually introduce other kinds of food as you become more comfortable eating with your restoration. You’ll also want to brush your teeth and gums twice daily, as well as floss regularly, to avoid decay or gum infection.

By maintaining good dental hygiene and a balanced diet, you can make the most of your dental crown for years to come! Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns along the way, and they’ll be more than happy to help.

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez is a proud affiliate of the Dallas County Dental Society, and the American and Texas Dental Associations. He earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and continues to seek advanced training to keep his techniques sharp. He provides a multitude of comprehensive treatments, including dental crowns to restore your smile. If you’d like to know more about what to expect after a dental crown procedure, feel free to visit our website or call 214-303-9969.