The recovery period after a dental crown has been placed typically lasts 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
It's possible that your dentist used a local anesthetic during your procedure. The numbing effect from this will last for a few hours afterwards before gradually wearing off.
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's likely that you will start to experience some minor discomfort and pain after the numbness from your anesthesia has worn off. This will usually subside after a couple of days or, at most, a few weeks.
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
During 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's completely normal for a new crown to feel a bit strange at first, almost like it doesn't quite fit properly. After your mouth has become accustomed to the new restoration, however, you'll likely stop noticing it altogether.
That said, 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 should be cared for the same way as natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings, as necessary. In order to keep your teeth healthy and your crown in good working order, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily. Dental crowns can last for many years if they are maintained properly.