What to Expect After Getting a Dental Crown

If you’ve never gotten a dental crown in East Islip before, you may be wondering what to expect. They’re often used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, improving its strength and appearance. Before committing to anything, you probably want to know what life will be like with an artificial tooth. Will the recovery be painful? How do you care for your new restoration? Is it difficult to eat, speak, or smile? Below, you’ll find the answers to these questions and much more!

What Happens After Getting a Dental Crown?

After your tooth is prepared for your final restoration, you’ll receive a temporary dental crown for protection in the meantime. It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity and tenderness in the first few days following your appointment. Luckily, these symptoms are temporary and easily manageable!

When you return to the office for the placement of your permanent dental crown, you may experience minimal tooth sensitivity and tenderness surrounding your soft oral tissues. Even though it may take some time to adjust to your new restoration, it shouldn’t be causing you prolonged pain or awkwardness when eating. If it does, you need to contact your dentist right away for assistance.

Tips for Managing Discomfort

Your mouth may feel tender and slightly swollen for a few days after your crown preparation appointment. Fortunately, you can manage your discomfort with the following tips:

• Rinse with warm salt water twice a day
• Avoid foods and drinks at extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Do not eat hard or sticky foods as they can dislodge your dental crown
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like Advil or Tylenol for relief
• Gently brush your crowned tooth twice a day to remove plaque

How to Take Care of a New Crown

Proper dental care is essential to keep your crowned tooth healthy. While the restoration itself can’t develop cavities, the underlying tooth is still at risk of decay and gum disease. Here’s how you can keep your smile in optimal condition:

• Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash)
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products
• Limit your intake of hard, crunchy, and sticky foods as they can damage your crown
• Don’t floss while wearing your temporary dental crown
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning

As you can see, life with a dental crown does not have to be difficult. With these tips, you can enjoy a fully functional and healthy smile for years to come!

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, we strive to provide high-quality dental care that’s also affordable. Our team is passionate about building meaningful relationships with every patient, ensuring they get the service they deserve. If you have any questions about what to expect after getting a dental crown, don’t hesitate to ask. You can make an appointment via our website or call (631) 581-8600.