Post-Operative Instructions After Receiving a Tooth Crown
After receiving a dental crown, patients should follow a soft diet for the first 10 days, avoid activities that could damage the crown, and maintain good oral hygiene to ensure proper healing and longevity of the restoration. 1
Immediate Post-Crown Care (First 24 Hours)
- Numbness: Be careful not to bite your cheek, lip or tongue while the anesthetic wears off
- Discomfort: Mild discomfort is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications as recommended by your dentist
- Sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common and should gradually subside
- Avoid:
- Hard, sticky, or chewy foods
- Excessive pressure on the new crown
- Using the crowned tooth to open packages or bite non-food items
Diet Recommendations
- First 10 days: Follow a soft diet to allow proper healing and avoid damage to the new crown 1
- Avoid:
- Hard foods (nuts, hard candies, ice)
- Sticky foods (caramel, taffy, chewing gum)
- Very hot or cold foods/beverages if experiencing sensitivity
Oral Hygiene Instructions
- Brushing: Continue regular brushing twice daily, being gentle around the crowned tooth
- Flossing: Resume normal flossing, using a sliding motion rather than lifting up when removing floss around the crown
- Rinses: Use antimicrobial mouth rinses if recommended by your dentist
Monitoring for Complications
- Watch for signs of potential issues:
- Persistent pain or increasing sensitivity
- Gingival swelling around the crown
- Increased mobility of the crown
- Development of a parulis (gum boil) 1
- Difficulty biting or feeling that the bite is "off"
Follow-Up Care
- Regular dental visits: Continue routine dental check-ups to monitor the crown
- Report problems: Contact your dentist if you experience persistent discomfort, crown loosening, or if the crown feels uneven when biting
Long-Term Crown Maintenance
- Avoid habits that could damage the crown:
- Grinding or clenching teeth (consider a night guard if recommended)
- Using teeth as tools to open packages
- Biting fingernails or chewing on pens/pencils
- Regular cleaning: Maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent decay around crown margins
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Ignoring changes: Failing to report persistent pain or discomfort could lead to more serious complications
- Improper cleaning: Inadequate oral hygiene around crown margins can lead to secondary decay
- Excessive force: Using the crowned tooth for inappropriate activities can lead to premature failure
- Delaying follow-up: Not addressing bite issues promptly can lead to crown fracture or damage to opposing teeth
By following these instructions, you can help ensure the longevity of your dental crown and maintain good oral health. Contact your dentist if you have any concerns about your new crown.