You recently learned that you need a dental crown to repair a damaged tooth. You understand what is required for the procedure to be successful, but you’ve yet to ask about the recovery phase. What will it feel like after your crown is placed? Will you experience any post-treatment pain? How soon can you eat afterward? Discover what you can expect during recovery so you can feel more confident about your upcoming appointment.
What Should You Expect When You Arrive Home?
During your first appointment, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth. You will feel no pain throughout the alteration process, so do not worry about experiencing discomfort. Once they are finished, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to wear between visits.
After the dentist secures the crown and gives you the green light to go home, you can expect the following to occur:
- Your mouth will still be numb from the anesthetic, so you will need to wait to eat to avoid damaging your tongue, cheeks, lips, etc.
- You may notice some bruising and inflammation at the site of the injection, but this will dissipate within a few days.
- There will likely be some minor pain because of the necessary alteration that is required to ensure proper crown placement.
- Some slight sensitivity is common around the gums.
How Should You Handle Your Symptoms?
Dealing with minor pain, inflammation, sensitivity, irritation, and bruising may not be what you have in mind, but rest assured that none of these symptoms are meant to last long. While waiting for your next appointment, you can take steps to make your recovery less uncomfortable, such as:
- Taking ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- Rinse with warm salt water to flush out bad bacteria and minimize swelling
- Avoid hot, cold, acidic, and spicy foods to prevent sensitivity
- Use toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity
- Wait until your anesthesia wears off before trying to eat anything
While you may need to temporarily adjust your daily routine when waiting for your permanent crown, trust that once it is in place, you can begin to enjoy a healthier, pain-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jon Kirlough enjoys working alongside patients to develop personalized plans that boost confidence and improve oral health. Earning his dental degree at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2000, he has since completed more than 500 continuing education hours. Today, he leads the team at Kirlough Family Dentistry, providing state-of-the-art service and using only the best available dental technology. Patients who need restorative treatment can expect lifelike results because of the natural-looking materials he uses for dental crowns. If you have a tooth that needs further examination, call (440) 234-2445 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.