Post-Op Instructions for a Crown

Blog Post-Op Instructions for a Crown

Implementing proper care after a crown has been placed will prove well in the long run. This is fairly simple but may require unique suggestions or advice from your dentist. If you follow the following guidelines, your crown will be worth every penny because of its longevity when cared for. At AZ Family Dental, we wish you to be educated to the best of your ability regarding your post-operative crown instructions.

What are the instructions for crown post-op?

  • Resolve to chew no hard, chewy, or sticky foods, especially gum.
  • Avoid using a Waterpik until the permanent crown is placed.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, making sure to keep primarily to the gum line.
  • Take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol as needed to help with pain and discomfort.
  • Avoid eating and drinking hot food that may unknowingly scald your mouth since you will likely be numb for a short period of time.

What are the do’s and don’ts after tooth crown placement?

Do

  • practice good oral hygiene
  • use antimicrobial mouthwash
  • rinse your mouth out with warm salt water
  • drink a lot of water
  • listen closely to your dentist’s post-op care instructions
  • try wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth when sleeping
  • trust your dentist’s professional training and seek their advice and guidance if you feel pain

Don’t

  • repair or fix the crown yourself
  • chew foods you are not supposed to (see above)
  • cease from keeping up with your dental appointments
  • use excessive pressure or force when brushing and flossing
  • smoke or use tobacco products because they may stain the crown 
  • drink alcohol 48 to 72 hours after getting a crown because it may have drying effects

How soon after a crown can I eat?

You may eat for 1 to 4 hours after getting a dental crown. It takes this long for anesthesia to taper off. However, for the first 24-36 hours, only soft foods, like smoothies, scrambled eggs, yogurt, etc., should be eaten. After 36 hours, you may integrate different kinds of foods, though you must be prudent about how your crown feels. If you notice any discomfort, you must request an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible while reverting back to softer foods.

What is the recovery time for a crown?

When recovering from a dental crown procedure, you ought to know that the recovery period is around a few days. Much of the irritation, sensitivity, discomfort, and inflammation takes time to subside. You may feel numbness or tingling that makes it awkward to do normal activities like eating, talking, and maintaining oral care.

Can I drink coffee after a crown?

Drinking hot coffee after getting a crown procedure is highly discouraged. The anesthesia could linger to a point that keeps one’s mouth from sensing how hot the coffee is, and therefore lead them to burn their mouth. It is best to wait at least 24 hours for most of the anesthetic to wear off. Additionally, it is best to wait in order for the applied cement to dry. This applies to both tea and coffee.

What foods to avoid after getting a crown?

The following foods are best to avoid after getting a crown to mitigate any damage and encourage a healthy recovery process:

  • Sticky foods like chewing gum, taffy, sorghum candy, pretzels, raisins, etc.
  • Crunchy foods like vegetables, hard crackers, tortilla chips, nuts, seeds, ice, etc.
  • Chewy meats like steak, if it is not properly cooked, and other proteins–softer and tender proteins are always best

How long will a tooth hurt after a crown?

If your crown hurts to the point of excruciating pain or discomfort, you need to request an appointment with your dentist. Make sure you are taking your prescribed pain medication to ease the discomfort. 

As long as your pain is manageable, you will simply have to wait around two weeks before the pain fully subsides. If you are worried about sensitivity lasting a couple of weeks, it is completely normal for sensitivity to last a while. It can even take up to several months! Be sure to meet with your dentist for regular follow-up appointments and make sure the healing process is not being unnecessarily extended.

Post-Operative Care with AZ Family Dental

At AZ Family Dental, your well-being is our priority. If you have any questions or concerns with a previous or future crown procedure, please contact our office. 

Our team is here to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible. Remember, proper care after your root canal is crucial. 

If you need further assistance, please call us:

  • Glendale Office: (623) 777-2020
  • Cave Creek Office: (623) 303-8522
  • Phoenix Office: (602) 878-6169

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