What Not to Do After Crown Placement
Dental crowns are custom-made tooth-like caps that restore the function and appearance of teeth. The dental crown procedure is simple, quick, and painless. However, you should follow proper aftercare instructions for fast and uncomplicated recovery. Read on for things to avoid after dental crown placement by a dentist near you.
Recovery After Getting a Dental Crown
Once you get your new dental crowns, your teeth will look and feel perfect. However, you may experience irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity around the treated area afterwards. These symptoms begin once the anesthesia wears off and may continue for a week.
Fortunately, you can manage them easily by using over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. Also, rinse your mouth with warm saline water severally throughout the day. It helps ease swelling and inflammation. If you are experiencing sensitivity, use a topical anesthetic gel or desensitizing toothpaste.
However, you should contact your local dentist if the soreness and discomfort do not ease in a week. Also, get the dentist if the pain fades after a few days but reappears later. They will check the crown and correct any issues, ensuring you recover correctly.
Things to Avoid After Crown Placement
The recovery period after getting dental crowns is very crucial. How you take care of your gums and the crown will determine your recovery period and the longevity of the crown. Below are things to avoid after getting dental crowns from the dentist in Gilbert, AZ.
- Chewing immediately after the procedure
The dentist will use anesthesia during dental crown placement to prevent pain and discomfort. It will numb the treated area during the procedure and several minutes afterwards. You should avoid chewing or biting anything until the numbness fades. Doing so will help you avoid biting your tongue, damaging your crown, or hurting the gums.
- Neglecting your oral hygiene
Most people avoid brushing and flossing after crown placement. They fear feeling pain or believe they must wait for days for the dental adhesive holding the crown to set. However, you should brush and floss regularly after getting your crowns. Good oral hygiene will promote quick recovery and ensure your crown lasts long.
During the first 24 hours, brush gently to avoid dislodging the crown or hurting your gums. Floss carefully, and do not pull the floss thread from the tooth since you may loosen the crown. Instead, slide it off the tooth. Using warm salt water to rinse your mouth will help keep your mouth bacteria-free.
- Eating solid foods right after the procedure
If you had a toothache before your crown procedure, you would have missed your favorite foods. Therefore, you may be tempted to start eating them immediately after you leave the dental offices in Gilbert. However, the crown needs a little time to set and solidify.
Chewing on solid foods can cause it to shift, leading to discomfort. In addition, it can come loose, resulting in a repeat of the procedure. The experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after crown placement before eating solid foods.
- Tolerating an uncomfortable crown
A crown is placed on top of your natural tooth and will rest on your gum line. So, it is normal to feel slightly uncomfortable whenever you bite down or chew with your crowned teeth. However, the discomfort should ease within a few days as you get used to the crown and your gums heal.
Persisting pain and discomfort indicates the crown is placed incorrectly. It can also show that the crown has shifted from its proper position. So, do not tolerate the pain and discomfort. Instead, visit the dentist in Gilbert, AZ, and they will adjust your crown to provide relief.
- Eating crunchy, hard, or sticky foods a few days after placement
If you got a dental crown as part of your cosmetic treatment, the natural tooth might have no issues. So, you may want to continue eating as before. However, dental cement needs time to set and form a strong bond between your crown and tooth. Therefore, avoid eating foods that can pull at the crown or dislodge the tooth cap.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are restorations that can transform your smile and restore dental function. The procedure for getting crowns is minimally invasive, and the recovery is fast. Schedule an appointment at Absolute Dental to repair your smile and improve functionality.