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A dental crown is a restorative treatment to prevent decay from spreading or to repair a damaged tooth. Dental crowns restore function and smile aesthetics. In some cases, you’ll receive a temporary crown first until Dr. Ari Binder can place a permanent one. Dr. Binder will help you decide on the ideal material for your permanent crown that fits your budget and preference.
Fortunately, the placement process is relatively quick and can be done in a single visit. However, you may be wondering what you can expect after your dentist places the crown.
Let’s take a closer look.
Temporary Crown
A temporary crown protects your tooth until you receive the permanent one. You’ll need to care for your temporary crown and watch what you eat.
Numbness, Pain, and Sensitivity
Due to the anesthetic that’s used during the procedure, you will be numb for several hours after it. Some pain and sensitivity is normal after the placement of a temporary dental crown. The pain should be manageable with over-the-counter analgesics, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Dr. Binder will discuss which medication is safest for you based on your overall health.
Eating
As soon as you regain feeling in your mouth, you may resume eating. You should avoid tough, sticky, or hard foods, like steak, nuts, and candies. The dental cement used is only temporary, so these types of foods can lead to issues with your temporary crown.
Care
You’ll need to brush and floss like you always have. Make sure you’re careful and don’t damage the crown, seeing as how it isn’t as durable as a permanent one. You may want to avoid flossing in between the teeth adjacent to the crown to avoid it coming off.
Permanent Crown
Your permanent crown will be made of ceramic, porcelain, composite resin, or metal. The permanent crown is stronger than the temporary one since it consists of a material intended to last anywhere from 5 to 30 years – sometimes even longer.
Numbness, Pain, and Sensitivity
You are likely to feel numbness for several hours following the procedure because of the anesthetic used. Pain and sensitivity are normal following your procedure and may last for a few days. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken every four to six hours as needed to relieve pain.
Eating
You should wait until the anesthetic wears off before eating. Once you start eating, choose foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, apple sauce, and gelatin for the first day. For the first few days after the procedure, you should avoid eating hard, sticky, or tough foods on the affected side of your mouth. After the first few days, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet.
Care
You may resume brushing and flossing immediately following your procedure. Since the area is usually sensitive for the first few days following the procedure, make sure you’re careful when you brush and floss.
Potential Issues
Usually, you won’t have any problems with your new crown, and you won’t need to visit the dentist until your next scheduled appointment. However, some people experience severe pain or pain that lasts more than two weeks. These issues should both be addressed by your dentist.
Take note that if you have persistent pain, gum swelling, pain when you bite down, fever, and tooth sensitivity, you need to see your dentist immediately, as these can be signs of an infection.
Dental Crowns in Eugene, Oregon
Dr. Binder’s expertise and state-of-the-art tools can make all the difference in the outcome of your dental crown procedure. In fact, he takes every step possible to minimize potential issues. Plus, you’ll receive detailed patient education to make the recovery as smooth as possible and to help you maintain your crown for years to come.
If you have tooth decay or a cracked tooth, don’t delay! Contact Dr. Ari Binder of 360 Dental, serving Eugene, Oregon, and the nearby region, at (541) 689-1645. You may also request an appointment via our online form.
