Getting a dental crown can restore a damaged or weakened tooth while giving your smile a natural-looking finish. While the procedure itself is an important part of the process, you may have a few questions about what happens afterward. Is it normal for your tooth to feel sensitive? When can you eat normally again? And how do you take care of your new crown?
Fortunately, recovering from a dental crown is generally straightforward. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable during those first few days.
Expect Some Sensitivity
It’s common to experience some sensitivity after getting a dental crown, particularly to hot and cold temperatures. Your tooth and the surrounding tissues may need a little time to adjust after the procedure.
You may also notice some tenderness around the gumline where the crown was placed. This discomfort is typically temporary and should gradually improve. If your dentist recommends an over-the-counter pain reliever, take it according to their instructions and the medication label.
If sensitivity or pain persists, becomes severe, or gets worse rather than better, contact your dentist. Persistent discomfort may indicate that the tooth needs additional attention.
Be Careful When Eating
Your dentist may recommend waiting until the numbness from your procedure has worn off before eating. This helps prevent you from accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lips.
Once you’re ready to eat, soft foods can be a comfortable choice during the first day or so. Avoid extremely hot foods and beverages while your mouth is still numb, and be cautious with very hard or sticky foods as your crown and bite adjust.
If your crown was temporarily cemented as part of a multi-step procedure, follow your dentist’s specific instructions about what and when to eat.
Keep Your Crown Clean
A crown isn’t a substitute for good oral hygiene. Even though the crown itself cannot develop a cavity, the natural tooth underneath and the surrounding gums still need protection.
Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth every day. When flossing around a crown, be gentle and follow any technique your dental team recommends.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also important for monitoring the crown and maintaining the health of the surrounding teeth and gums.
Give Your Bite Time to Adjust
Your new crown may feel slightly different from your other teeth at first. That’s because your mouth is getting accustomed to its new shape and fit.
However, your crown shouldn’t feel like it’s significantly taller than the teeth around it or cause discomfort whenever you bite down. If your bite feels uneven or painful after the initial adjustment period, let your dentist know. A minor adjustment may be all that’s needed to make the crown feel comfortable.
Know When to Call Your Dentist
Some mild sensitivity and gum tenderness can be expected, but certain symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your dentist if you experience severe or increasing pain, significant swelling, a crown that feels loose, or a crown that becomes damaged or falls out.
Don’t try to permanently reattach a loose or fallen crown yourself. Instead, keep the crown safe and contact your dental office for instructions.
Protect Your Investment
With proper care, a dental crown can provide long-lasting protection and help you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably. Be patient with your mouth during the first few days, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, and maintain excellent oral hygiene.
A little extra care after your procedure can help your new crown feel like a natural part of your smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Scott Parker provides comprehensive dental care in Calimesa, California, with services ranging from preventive and restorative dentistry to cosmetic treatments, dental implants, and sleep apnea therapy. The practice emphasizes personalized care and building lasting relationships with patients.
Dr. Parker earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University in 2008. After spending several years practicing away from California, including time in Guam and Montana, he returned to the Calimesa area. Dr. Parker is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Tri-County Dental Society, and is also a faculty club member of Spear Education. He is passionate about continuing his dental education while helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their care.
Call us at (909) 795-6019 or schedule your appointment online