Recovery After Getting a Dental Crown: Do’s and Don’ts

Recovery After Getting a Dental Crown: Do’s and Don’ts

Dec 01, 2021

When it comes to getting the perfect smile, there’s no alternative to dental crowns. However, there are some steps you should take after you have installed a permanent crown. Generally, with any dental procedure, you have some oral hygiene instructions that you should follow. Dental crowns are no different. Let’s take a look at how you should maintain your smile after the procedure.

Dietary Advice

Admit it or not, the best use of your teeth is to chew food. However, when you’ve installed a dental crown, you need to be a bit careful in the beginning. Fret not, and it’s only temporary. For example, you shouldn’t be chewing anything when your teeth are numb, and the anesthesia is still in place. Taking lukewarm milk or even liquid food is recommended during this time.

The first 24 hours after your procedure are something you should be careful about. Try to avoid sticky and hard foods during this period. Some foods you should avoid are caramel candy, celery sticks, carrots, popcorn, or nuts. Once this period has passed, you can slowly include sticky or chewy food in your diet. Once you feel comfortable chewing with no apparent pain, you can add hard foods to your diet.

This is because the longer you leave the dental cement, the stronger the bond between your crown and teeth will be. In time, it would be irreplaceable, and it will protect your teeth from external factors.

Brush & Floss Daily

While your crown is artificial, the tooth that is supporting it is very real. So ensure that you clean and brush your teeth. Even when the crown covers the top part of your teeth, you should brush the crown to remove sticky plaque. Your brushing/flossing habits play a crucial role in ensuring that your crown lasts as long as possible.
It’s also important that you floss your teeth twice to maintain your oral health. Flossing will help to remove food particles and germs that are stuck in between your teeth. However, be careful not to dislodge the crown when you are flossing. During the first week after installation, be careful to avoid the teeth with the crown. You can continue with your oral routine around other teeth.

Avoid Bad Habits

Well, all of us have some habits that we’d like to quit but can’t at times. Your Loveland dentist will let you know which habits you should quit. For starters, the common ones like chewing on your nails or biting it off with your teeth is a strict no. In the same way, try not to open a bottle with your teeth. Trying to open a bottle can not only splinter your teeth, but it can also cause damage to your gums by lodging the splintered tooth in your gum. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Also, make sure that you don’t spit or chew tobacco or any mouth freshener until you get the go-ahead from your dentist.

If you are someone who can’t live without a drink, try to restrain yourself for the first 48 hours or until you are off the pain medications. This will not only help you to maintain your oral health but also help you improve your appetite.

How long after a temporary crown is cemented can I smoke?

Smoking immediately after installing a temporary crown can cause several oral problems for you. One of the problems is the dry socket where blood clots happen in the tooth extraction site. It’s a painful procedure, so you should be careful about it.

If you are a habitual smoker, speak to your dentist about it. Generally, you should refrain from smoking for the first 48 hours. If you can stay without smoking, then it is advised that you should not smoke for the first week after the installation.

Is Crown Removal Painful?

Once your tooth has been reshaped and the temporary crown has served its purpose, your dentist will replace it with a permanent crown. This is where you need to remove the temporary one. Crown removal is not a painful procedure, and it doesn’t take long for your dentist to remove it. Your dentist will not even use an anesthetic to remove and add in the permanent crown.

Final Words

Like a natural tooth, your crown will need some care. However, if you maintain the good oral habit, you don’t need to worry about the longevity of your crown. If you need help with your crown or dental procedures, feel free to call us at Fox Creek Dental by Espire. Our team of professionals is here to help you at any time.

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