What You Need to Do as You Recover from a Dental Crown Procedure

The intensity of the procedure for getting new dental crowns varies depending on the reason why you are getting them in the first place. If the tooth getting the crown has decayed, it will require that the dentist carries out a root canal first. Getting dental crowns usually requires two visits to the dental clinic. The first visit is for the preparation of the tooth and you will go home with temporary dentures. The second visit is where the dentist will place the permanent ones.

The most critical care should be the period after the first visit. This is because the gum would still be sore, especially if you had to undergo a root canal. After the permanent crown is placed, care is still paramount as the cement holding the crown in place is still soft. The care you need to take includes the following:

Check what you eat during the initial hours

The first 24 hours after the visit to the dentist are crucial. As the procedures will usually require an anesthetic, your mouth will be numb for a few hours. You will not feel much during this time. You should avoid hot drinks and foods as you can easily burn yourself. It is also easy to bite yourself. Avoid hard food at this time too. Your choice of what to eat is also crucial, especially when you still have the temporary crown in place. Sticky foods can cause a temporary crown to dislodge. Before the cement sets, avoid using the side where the porcelain crowns are.

Get pain medication

You should always have pain medication on hand, especially in the first few days. You can expect that your gums will be sore and sensitive. Your dentist should prescribe a painkiller that will help you deal with any discomfort. You can also use a topical anesthetic medication that you can apply directly where it hurts for immediate relief. In some cases, the dentist may recommend an antibiotic to prevent infection.

Consult your dentist

You should go back to your dentist should the pain and discomfort persist. If the crown does not fit well to the shape of your mouth, then you can expect it to feel uncomfortable. The dentist should make an adjustment that will make the crown comfortable to use.

You need to take good care after the installation of a dental crown. The care will ensure that you heal well and that the dental crown will feel comfortable in your mouth. For the first few days after the installation, you should ensure you eat the ideal foods that will not lead to the crown becoming loose. Avoiding hot and hard foods will also protect you from injury.