A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. This restoration fully encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, acting like a protective shell cemented into place. The procedure is highly effective for protecting a tooth from fracturing or supporting a tooth with a large filling. Understanding the recovery timeline and specific care requirements is necessary to ensure the longevity of your new crown.
Managing Initial Discomfort and Sensitivity
Once the local anesthetic wears off, it is common to experience mild, transient sensations. The surrounding gum tissue may feel tender or sore for several days due to the preparation process. Mild pain or throbbing can typically be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Sensitivity to extreme temperatures, particularly cold, is frequent after a tooth has been prepped for a crown, but this usually subsides within a week as the tooth recovers. If the crown feels too “high” or uneven when you bite down, and this persists for more than a day or two, contact your dentist for an adjustment, as improper alignment can cause discomfort.
Essential Care Instructions for Temporary and Permanent Crowns
Caring for your restoration involves different steps depending on whether you have a temporary or a permanent crown in place. Temporary crowns are designed as a short-term solution and are held in place with a weaker, temporary cement, requiring extra caution. It is advisable to avoid chewing on hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as caramel or gum, as these can easily dislodge the restoration. When eating, minimize pressure by chewing primarily on the opposite side of your mouth.
While you must continue to brush gently, flossing around a temporary crown requires a specific technique to prevent it from coming off. Instead of lifting the floss upward to remove it, gently slide the floss out from between your teeth at the gumline.
Permanent crowns require a return to normal, diligent oral hygiene, treating them much like your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing effectively around the crown margin to prevent decay and gum disease. Although permanent crowns are far more durable, you should still avoid chewing on extremely hard objects like ice or hard candy to prevent chipping or fracturing the material. For the first 24 to 48 hours after the final cementation, stick to softer foods to allow the cement to fully set and bond.
Signs That Require Immediate Dental Attention
While minor discomfort is normal, certain severe symptoms indicate a problem that requires immediate contact with your dental office. If the crown becomes dislodged and falls off the tooth, gently clean it, keep it safe, and call your dentist right away for re-cementation. Trying to reattach it yourself is not recommended and can cause further damage. Any sign of a localized infection, such as severe or worsening swelling around the crowned tooth or an accompanying fever, should be reported without delay. Persistent, sharp pain that does not respond to typical over-the-counter pain medication is a serious symptom that may suggest an issue with the underlying tooth nerve. Similarly, if you notice a persistent bad taste or odor originating from the crowned tooth, you should seek professional attention.