Dentists use dental crowns for both children and adults to restore a compromised tooth to its original strength and function and protect it against infection and further damage. Crowns are usually made from strong silver or lifelike and durable ceramic materials, and they can last for up to fifteen years before needing replacement if they receive excellent care. Here’s a brief guide to the process of placing a dental crown and how to manage the recovery period afterward.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are customized caps made from silver or ceramic material. These appliances are sometimes used to restore a tooth after injury, infection, or receiving a procedure such as a root canal, and they may also be used for cosmetic purposes such as concealing dental defects. Each crown is crafted by a skilled technician in a dental laboratory, ensuring that it is a suitable fit for its patient.
How Are Dental Crowns Placed?
A dental crown is typically placed over as few as two appointments. During the first, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic and may apply a suitable sedation treatment if needed to ensure that the patient remains comfortable. They will then remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth being treated to remove decayed tissue and make room for the crown. The dentist will then take bite impressions to be sent to the dental lab and place a temporary crown on the patient’s tooth so they can get used to wearing it.
The patient will return to the office after the new crown arrives a few weeks later. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place, and, after any adjustments, the patient will be sent on their way.
What Is Recovering from Receiving a Dental Crown Like?
The recovery period after receiving a dental crown should be temporary and mild. While the patient may experience some discomfort in the treated tooth, this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or an ice pack or a cold compress. A few tips for staying comfortable and preventing injury after receiving a dental crown include:
- Abstain from eating until the effects of the anesthetic treatment wear off to avoid accidentally biting the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
- Avoid chewing with the treated tooth while the cement is still curing for a few days after treatment.
- While it’s best to stick to a soft diet for the first few days after the procedure, the patient may begin enjoying tougher and crunchier foods as they become comfortable doing so.
- Strictly adhere to your dentist’s postoperative instructions.
- Practice exemplary oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- If the dental pain seems to be getting worse after a few days or if a sour or bitter taste in the mouth becomes noticeable, contact your dentist.
Placing a dental crown is a common procedure, and it can save a tooth from infection, injury, and extraction. Following your dentist’s instructions after receiving one can set your tooth up to stay in great shape for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Maria Marud earned her dental degree at the University of Detroit Mercy and completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the prestigious University of Texas Health Science Center. She is proud to be a member of the Canadian and American Academies of Pediatric Dentistry and the Ontario Dental Association. Her office in Pickering offers pediatric general, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental crown services. To learn more about the recovery process after getting crowns, contact her office online or dial (905) 995-6060.