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Recovering from a Dental Crown Procedure

Our Maple Ridge dentists describe what you can expect during your recovery from a dental crown procedure.

The healing process following the placement of a dental crown typically takes a few days at most. While some sensitivity or discomfort is normal for patients during this time, the irritation and inflammation brought on by the procedure usually go away fairly quickly.

Numbness from Anaesthetic

It's possible that your dentist used a local anesthetic during your procedure, and that the numbing effect will last for a few hours afterward 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.

Although this will go away on its own after a few days and usually does not require the use of any additional medications, you might also experience some mild bruising and inflammation near the injection site.

Pain & Discomfort

After the anesthesia's numbness has worn off, you might feel some minor discomfort and pain. As soon as the procedure is over, this typically goes away within a few days or, at most, a few weeks.

Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if you're in pain to help you through this period of discomfort. Patients are frequently given ibuprofen prescriptions to help with pain management and to improve their quality of life while recovering. Prior to taking any type of painkiller, however, consult your dentist.

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

Avoid eating anything hard, sticky, or chewy for the first 24 hours of your recovery. You can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet in the days and weeks following your procedure.

It is natural for a new crown to feel strange at first, almost as if it does not fit properly. However, once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new restoration, you will most likely stop noticing it.

However, if your bite does not feel normal after about a week, the crown may need to be adjusted in order to fit properly. In this case, you should make another appointment with your dentist.

Dental crowns should be cared for in the same way that natural teeth are, with regular brushing and flossing and, as needed, visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings. It is critical to practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis in order to keep your teeth healthy and your crown in good working order. Dental crowns can last for many years if properly cared for.

If you have questions about an upcoming dental crown procedure, and what you can expect from the recovery portion, please contact our Maple Ridge dentists today.

New Patients Always Welcome

Looking for a dentist in Maple Ridge? We're happy to welcome new patients at our dental clinic! Contact us to get started today. 

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