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Recovering from a Dental Crown Procedure

Here, our Slave Lake dentists describe what you can expect during your recovery from a dental crown placement procedure. 

The recovery period following the placement of a dental crown has been placed typically for a few days at most. While it is normal for patients to experience some sensitivity or discomfort during this time, some irritation and inflammation associated with the procedure will subside fairly quickly in the majority of cases. 

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 while you are eating and stay away from hot foods and liquids to avoid injuring your mouth while it is numb.

You may also experience some bruising and inflammation around the injection site, but this should settle down on its own after a couple of days and doesn't usually necessitate the use of any additional medications. 

Pain & Discomfort

It is likely that you will experience some minor discomfort and pain after the numbness from the anesthesia has worn off. This usually subsides within a few days, or at the most, a few weeks, of the procedure being completed.

If you are experiencing discomfort, you should consider taking over-the-counter pain medication to help you to manage the discomfort during this time. Ibuprofen is frequently prescribed to patients in order to alleviate pain and help to make them more comfortable while they recover. However, ask 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 is normal for a new crown to feel a little strange at first – almost as if it doesn't quite fit properly. Once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new restoration, however, you will most likely stop noticing it altogether.

With that being said, if your bite doesn't 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 in the same way as natural teeth with routine brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentists for checkups and cleanings as necessary. In order to keep your teeth healthy and your crown in proper functioning order, it's critical to practice good oral hygiene daily. Dental crowns can last for many years if they are maintained properly.

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

New Patients Always Welcome

Looking for a dentist in Slave Lake? We're happily accepting new patients at our dental clinic! Contact us to get started today. 

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