If you tell a kid that they’ll be getting a crown, they might wonder if they’re celebrating something or receiving a special honor. If you tell an adult that they’ll be getting a crown, they’ll head to their dentist’s office. In dental terms, a crown is an artificial replacement or covering for the upper portion of a tooth. Crowns are used to solve a variety of dental dilemmas. They can protect weak teeth, restore broken or worn-down teeth, cover a tooth with a large filling, shield severely misshapen or discolored teeth, top a dental implant, or even hold a dental bridge in place. If a crown or bridge is in your future, use the tips below to ensure that your mouth heals properly.
How to Ensure Proper Healing After a Crown or Bridge
First of all, be sure that you listen to all the instructions provided by your dental team. They know you and your specific situation best, so if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give them a call. But if you’re just looking for some general information about how to care for a new crown or bridge, we’ve got you covered.
Be careful while your mouth is still numb.
Post-treatment numbness is often inevitable. Depending on how much local anesthetic was used, you may feel numb for a brief period or for several hours or more. As the numbness slowly wears off, remember to be careful, especially while eating. Try not to accidentally chew or bite on your lip, tongue, or cheek. It may not hurt at the moment, but it will certainly hurt later!
Brush and floss normally.
You don’t need to act like you’re walking on eggshells while cleaning your teeth after a crown or bridge procedure. The crown or bridge will be strong and secure, so you can (and should) brush and floss your teeth normally. As always, you should aim to brush your teeth twice a day and floss them once a day.
Eat and drink what you like (for the most part).
Following the procedure, you can drink whatever you like. However, it’s important that you wait at least one hour to eat if you’ve had a permanent crown placed. In addition, as we mentioned above, take care not to injure your numb mouth while chewing.
Expect sensitivity.
Your mouth will be sensitive following the procedure. Although you should expect sensitivity for about two weeks afterward, keep in mind that it may last even longer. If you have any concerns about this or you’re wondering if your situation is normal, don’t hesitate to call your dentist’s office.
Use pain relievers as needed.
In the first couple of days following the procedure, you may also experience some aches and soreness. To relieve this discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Pay attention to your bite.
Sometimes it just takes a little time to get used to a new crown or bridge. Other times, the treatment needs a slight adjustment to be comfortable. So if your new crown feels “off” or is causing a constant dull ache, contact your dentist. Often, a quick adjustment can make a world of difference.
_____
Are you missing one or more teeth? We can help! If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!