How Long Does It Take To Recover From Dental Crowns?

Although your teeth are naturally strong and durable, they are not impervious to damage. Teeth that have broken, chipped, decayed, or cracked can have a negative esthetic effect on your smile. Similarly, they can make normal functions such as chewing, speaking, and brushing difficult, hurting your oral and overall wellness.

Fortunately, if you’re experiencing such an issue, you can benefit from dental crowns. Unlike alternative restorative treatments, a crown covers the entire tooth structure, addressing any functional and aesthetic imperfections.

When considering dental crowns, you may be curious how long it will take to recover from the procedure. Since getting a dental crown is a less invasive treatment, you shouldn’t be worried much about the recovery. Most side effects of the treatment usually fade away within a few days.

Is a Dental Crown Worth it?

Yes, dental crowns are worth it, depending on why you’re getting them. In most cases, a crown is the last remedy to saving a severely decayed, discolored, or damaged tooth. Unlike other treatments, a dental crown covers the entire visible structure of the tooth. It’s effective in correcting multiple dental imperfections such as:

• Improving the appearance of deeply stained or discolored teeth
• Protecting a weakened tooth from cracking or breaking
• Restoring the strength of a severely broken, cracked, or worn out tooth
• Supporting a tooth with a large filling
• Supporting a tooth after a root canal treatment

Apart from correcting dental imperfections, dental crowns can also cover a dental or support a dental bridge when replacing missing teeth.

There are other benefits of using dental crowns. For instance, tooth-colored crowns improve the appearance of your tooth, giving you a brighter and more youthful smile. Similarly, a dental crown is strong and durable.

Your bite function will significantly improve, and you can go back to enjoying your favorite foods. A dental crown typically lasts for about 15 years with proper care, meaning that you won’t need a replacement soon.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Tooth Crown?

If your dentist has scheduled you for a tooth crown procedure, you may be curious about how it works. You can ask your dentist to show you the dental crowns before and after pictures of previous patients to have an image of what to expect. Typically, here is what to expect:

• Initial consultation

When you visit the dental office, the dentist will begin by examining your teeth to determine whether you’re eligible for a dental crown. X-rays may be necessary to check for the extent of the decay or damage. If the damage is significant, the dentist may have to perform a root canal to clean the tooth.

• Tooth preparation

The dentist will trim a small portion of the tooth’s enamel to allow the dental crown to fit perfectly. If there is extensive damage and the tooth lacks enough structure to hold the crown, the dentist will first have to build it up.

After shaping the tooth, impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab to make the customized crown. In the meantime, a temporary tooth crown protects the tooth from sensitivity.

• Fitting the crown

Once the permanent crown is ready, you’ll go for the fitting procedure. The dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the customized one using a stronger dental cement. The dentist can use a laser light to quicken the bonding process then polishes the tooth.

Side Effects

After the procedure, you may experience the following:

• Numbness from the anesthetic – You’ll be numbed to keep you relaxed and pain-free during the procedures. You may experience numbness effects for several hours after the procedure. During this phase, you should avoid eating or chewing anything.
• Pain, sensitivity, and discomfort – You’ll also likely experience pain or discomfort around the treated tooth. Fortunately, this should go away after several days.

Dietary and Oral Care During Recovery

Following a dental crown treatment:

• Take medication as prescribed by your dentist.
• Use a cold compress on the cheek.
• Eat soft foods for the next 48 hours and avoid chewing with the treated tooth.
• Brush gently around the treated tooth.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste.
• Avoid sugary, acidic, or spicy items to prevent irritation.
• Hydrate well.
• Notify your dentist if symptoms don’t improve after a few days.
• Avoid sticky foods.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for dental crowns in Sacramento, CA? Contact Sacramento Natural Dentistry for more information.