A dental crown is a restorative device commonly used to rebuild a tooth that has been compromised by infection or injury or to reshape one that was oddly shaped to begin with. While the process of receiving a dental crown is completely painless, you can expect to experience some mild and temporary discomfort while recovering. Here’s a quick look at how crowns are placed, what recovering from them is like, and how to stay comfortable while you are healing.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
The process of placing a dental crown always begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort during the procedure. When the patient is ready, the dentist will remove the infected material from the tooth, clean the treatment area, and take precise bite impressions. They will then fit the patient with a temporary crown and send the impressions to a dental lab. There, a skilled technician will craft a lifelike permanent restoration which will be cemented in place at the dentist’s office about two weeks later.
What Is Recovering After Receiving a Dental Crown Like?
After receiving a dental crown, you may experience some discomfort around the treatment area for several days or weeks. This should go away on its own as long as the patient practices excellent oral hygiene while being gentle when cleaning near their new restoration. Until it resolves itself, this discomfort can be reduced with methods like:
- Using an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Applying a topical analgesic
- Using a desensitizing toothpaste
- Rinsing with warm saltwater (make saltwater by mixing a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of water)
Please contact your dentist if you experience pain that gets worse instead of better after several days or if you notice signs of infection like swelling, redness, or a persistent nasty taste in your mouth.
Recovering after receiving a dental crown is usually a mild process. Adhering to your dentist’s post-treatment instructions will help you stay comfortable while your mouth is healing.
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and regularly participates in postgraduate coursework from the Pankey Institute. She is also affiliated with the Triple Crown Study Club and the American Academy of Clear Aligners. Her office in Millersville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you suspect you need a dental crown, contact her office on the web or dial her staff at (410) 729-9090.