What to Expect Before and After Dental Crowns Q&A

At Page Mansourian’s dental practice, we specialize in comprehensive dental care, including dental crown procedures. Our skilled and dedicated team ensures that your dental crown procedure is executed with precision, minimizing discomfort and speeding up recovery.

Immediate Recovery: After getting a dental crown, you might experience some discomfort, sensitivity, or minor swelling. These symptoms are normal and should begin to subside within 24 to 48 hours. To manage these symptoms, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. Additionally, we advise against chewing on the crowned tooth initially to give the cement time to fully set.

Long-Term Recovery: The crown should feel like a natural tooth and function normally within a week. If discomfort persists beyond this period, consult our team. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to ensure the crown’s fit and overall dental health.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time:

• Type of Crown: Temporary crowns might need adjustments or replacements, extending recovery.
• Tooth Condition: Severely damaged teeth may require additional treatment before crown placement, prolonging recovery.
• Individual Sensitivity: Some people experience more discomfort or prolonged sensitivity.

Tips for a Speedy Recovery:

• Keep your oral hygiene in check by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods until recovery is complete.
• Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste to minimize irritation.
• Use warm salt water to rinse and help alleviate inflammation.

The settling-in period for dental crowns varies. Most patients feel normal within a few days to a week. Initial discomfort or sensitivity is common and typically resolves as your mouth adjusts to the crown. Factors affecting this period include:

• Type of Crown: Temporary crowns may need more adjustments.
• Bite and Underlying Conditions: An improper bite or underlying dental issues can affect how the crown feels.

If discomfort persists or worsens, consult Dr. Mansourian. Manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and avoiding hard or sticky foods. Maintaining good oral hygiene around the crown is crucial.

After placing a permanent dental crown, wait until the anesthesia has worn off, typically 1 to 2 hours, before eating. This helps prevent accidental injury and ensures the cement sets properly.

Recommended Diet:

• Soft Foods: Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup, pudding, pasta.
• Foods to Avoid: Hard candy, gum, corn on the cob, steak, crusty bread.

After 24 hours, you can gradually reintroduce regular foods but avoid those that are hard, sticky, or require excessive chewing. If you feel any unusual discomfort, discontinue eating and reach out to our office.

Dental crowns are effective for tooth restoration but can have long-term effects. Common issues include:

• Sensitivity or Discomfort: This is usually temporary. Persistent discomfort may indicate an ill-fitting crown or other issues like pulpal necrosis.
• Wear and Tear: Porcelain or resin crowns may wear down or chip over time. Regular check-ups can help monitor and address these issues.
• Decay Beneath the Crown: Poorly fitted crowns or inadequate oral hygiene can lead to decay or bone loss around the tooth.
• Gum Recession: This can lead to sensitivity and increased decay risk. Plaque accumulation around the crown base can cause gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
• Crown Loosening: Crowns may become loose due to cement deterioration or damage to the tooth structure. Immediate dental attention is needed if this occurs.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare, but possible. Discuss any allergies with Dr. Mansourian before proceeding.

The adjustment period for a dental crown ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. Initial discomfort or sensitivity is normal and should fade within this time. Factors influencing this period include:

• Location of the Crown: Front teeth typically adjust faster than molars.
• Size and Shape of the Crown: Larger or irregularly shaped crowns may take longer to adjust.
• Condition of the Underlying Tooth: Severely damaged teeth might require a longer adjustment period.

If discomfort persists beyond two weeks or worsens, contact Dr. Mansourian. Good oral hygiene and avoiding hard or sticky foods can help speed up the adjustment process.

While recovery from a dental crown procedure typically occurs within a week, it’s important to follow post-procedure care and keep up with regular dental check-ups. Dr. Mansourian and the team are here to guide and support you throughout the recovery process, ensuring your crown remains in good condition and your oral health is maintained. We are conveniently located at 4015 Mission Oaks Blvd, Suite A Camarillo, CA 93012. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Camarillo CA, Somis CA, Santa Rosa Valley CA, Oxnard CA, Hidden Valley CA, Thousand Oaks CA, and surrounding areas.