Dental crowns are a fairly common treatment, so you might be familiar with what they are and what they’re used for. But what happens after your crown is placed? What does the recovery process look like – and is there anything you should know?
All things considered, dental crown aftercare is fairly simple. Plus, you can rest assured your dental team will review the details with you before you leave the office. Keep reading to get a sense of what to expect from the moment you set foot in your house to when your recovery is considered complete.
Mind What You Eat
When you get back and the anesthetic wears off, you might be feeling munchy, but you’ll also likely be a bit sore. Instead of reaching for a crunchy snack food like potato chips, stick to soft foods that are easier to chew. Yogurt, pudding, ice cream, pancakes, and pasta are all great examples of options that will be gentler on your teeth.
Manage Discomfort
Since you might be feeling some soreness, don’t hesitate to use over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary. Ibuprofen can be particularly effective thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can also apply a cold compress to your jaw to numb the area and may want to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has the crown.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Now that you’re all settled in at home, it’s time to review your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to take a specific medication, brush and floss a certain way, promote recovery from dental sedation, and so on. Following instructions as closely as possible will help ensure you avoid complications.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Oral hygiene might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s essential to keep the bacteria content in your mouth under control. You wouldn’t want to develop a cavity or infection while you’re trying to recover! Be sure to gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily and carefully, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Dental crown aftercare comes down to being mindful of your body’s healing process. It won’t do you any good to irritate your treatment area or strain yourself, so try to take it easy and get some rest. You’ll be ready to carry on with life as usual before you know it!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Associates of Tampa Palms, our three experienced professionals are ready to take care of your smile and answer your questions. We’ll always make sure you understand any aftercare instructions we give you, but if you ever need a refresher or clarification on how best to take care of your dental crown, simply call our office at 813-972-9077.