If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, are getting a dental implant, or will soon undergo a root canal procedure, then there’s a good chance that you’ll be fitted with a dental crown. Your dentist can use these prosthetics to protect and preserve injured teeth or cap an implant. They’re made from beautiful, durable materials to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Once it’s in place, it’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions in detail to keep your mouth happy and healthy. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips for a smooth recovery once you’ve received your dental crown!
Tip #1: Avoid Hot Temperatures
Your dental team will numb the affected tooth before making any necessary repairs and placing your dental crown. This ensures that you don’t experience any discomfort while they bond it over your tooth or dental implant. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to bite or burn the tender tissues inside their mouth following their appointment because of a lack of sensation.
If your inner lips, cheeks, and tongue are feeling numb then you might not realize that the food or drink you’re about to consume is too hot. Instead, steer clear of anything too warm so you don’t accidentally injure yourself.
Tip #2: Manage Discomfort
It’s normal to experience mild to moderate aches for a few days as your mouth adjusts to having a prosthetic in place. Thankfully, the pain tends to dissipate quickly and is gone after about a week. That doesn’t mean that you must live with it in the meantime. It’s usually safe to take over-the-counter options like Tylenol or ibuprofen if you’re hurting. You can also apply a cold compress or ice pack to your face to temporarily numb the area.
If you have a toothache that doesn’t subside or gets worse, contact your dentist so they can ensure that your dental crown fits properly so you can recover as intended.
Tip #3: Watch What You Eat
These artificial teeth are incredibly resilient, but they’re not entirely impervious to harm. Certain foods are notorious for chipping them or yanking them off your teeth. In the first 24 hours, it’s best to avoid overly sticky options because they might dislodge your new restoration. You may also want to steer clear of anything too hard or chewy that could break or fracture it.
By taking these few simple precautions, you’ll enjoy a much smoother transition to living with your new dental crown!
About the Practice
At Milton Hill Dental, you benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a full range of services under one roof. With specialists in a variety of disciplines, there’s no problem too complex for them to handle. They combine a friendly approach with state-of-the-art technology to help you feel relaxed while providing accurate, long-lasting results. If you have a decayed or damaged tooth and need a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or call (617) 696-4800.