You Got a Dental Crown. What’s Next?

Modern dental crowns are nothing short of exceptional. In addition to being incredibly durable, they also come in a wide range of lifelike shades and can last for 15+ years with proper care. So, it’s not surprising they are one of the most popular restorative treatments today. If you recently got one (or are planning to get one to restore a decayed or damaged tooth), then you may be wondering, “What happens next?” Keep reading to learn the answer!

What to Expect After Getting a Dental Crown

After your dentist has addressed the decay or damage, they will protect your tooth with a dental crown. If your dental team doesn’t utilize CEREC® one-visit crowns, then you’ll be given a temporary one. If your dental team does utilize CEREC® one-visit crowns, then you won’t have to return for any additional visits – your new and improved tooth is ready to go!

In both scenarios, you’ll likely feel some numbness in the hours following your appointment. Once that wears off, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. Don’t worry – any discomfort you experience can be easily alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever and some rest.

A Few Dos and Don’ts To Keep in Mind Right After Your Appointment

Following your appointment, there are a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind:

• DON’T – Eat until the numbing agent wears off.
• DO – Stick to soft foods, like oatmeal, yogurt, and applesauce.
• DON’T – Smoke or engage in other poor dental habits.
• DO – Keep an eye out for signs of an infection.

How to Keep Your Dental Crown in Pristine Condition

As previously mentioned, dental crowns can last for 15+ years with proper care. But what does “proper care” mean? Well, there are a few best practices you should implement to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health concerns, including:

• Getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
• Brushing each morning and evening (or after each meal)
• Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash consistently
• Keeping your consumption of alcohol to a minimum
• Eating mostly vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense meals
• Exercising caution with extremely hard, sticky, and chewy foods

Immediately following your appointment, you may experience some sensitivity. The good news is that this is usually short-lived and something that can be easily addressed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Plus, a restored tooth and bite will make it all worth it!

About the Practice

At Creative Dental Concepts, we’re proud to offer CEREC® same-day dental crowns. As a result, a 2–4-week process is condensed into a single visit. Plus, each restoration is completely personalized to you, ensuring the end result looks beautiful, feels natural, and functions flawlessly. If you need a dental crown, have a question about the process, or simply want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (315) 475-6641.