Dental Crown Home Care Instructions

What to Do After Getting a Dental Crown

A Dental Crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, and are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. After your dental crown procedure, following these care instructions will ensure proper healing and long-lasting results.

If you’re preparing for your dental crown appointment, be sure to check out our pre-visit instructions.

Oral Hygiene After Getting a Dental Crown

• Brush Twice a Day, Ideally After Meals:
  Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential, but for best results, brush after every meal. This keeps your teeth clean and prevents food particles from settling around your new crown, reducing the risk of decay.
• Use Water or Mouthwash When You Can’t Brush:
  If you’re unable to brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash to remove food debris. This minimizes the risk of cavities forming beneath the crown. We recommend using Crest Pro-Health Densify Anticavity Fluoride Mouth Rinse for its cavity-fighting properties.
• Upgrade Your Toothbrush:
  A soft-bristled toothbrush, like the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush, is gentle on your gums and dental crown. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, for more effective plaque removal.
• Floss Daily:
  Daily flossing helps remove plaque and food trapped around your crown. Try GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss, or if you find traditional floss challenging, use flossers like Sunstar GUM Advanced Care Flossers or GUM Proxabrush interdental brushes.
• Consider a Water Flosser:
  In addition to regular flossing, using a water flosser can improve gum health by flushing out particles left behind by floss and brushing. A great option is the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser. Use it daily for maximum benefit.
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste:
  Choose a toothpaste with a high fluoride content to reduce the risk of cavities around your crown. Colgate PreviDent 5000 ppm Booster Plus Toothpaste is an excellent option for protecting your teeth.

Eating and Drinking After Your Crown Placement

You can eat normally with a permanent dental crown, but it’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks that increase the risk of decay. Limit your intake of candies, sodas, and sweet syrups to protect your dental crown.

Numbness After Your Procedure

You may experience numbness from the anesthetic for 2-3 hours post-procedure. During this time, avoid hot liquids and be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.

Jaw Discomfort

Some patients experience temporary difficulty opening their mouth wide or mild muscle soreness after the anesthetic injection. This is called myogenic trismus, a muscle spasm caused by the injection. If this happens, follow our myogenic trismus home care guide for relief.

Pain, Sensitivity, or Swelling

It’s common to have mild tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days after crown placement. This sensitivity will subside quickly. Use Sensodyne Rapid Relief Toothpaste to alleviate discomfort, and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist about the proper dosage for your situation, but a combination of 1000mg Tylenol and 600mg Advil every 4-6 hours is often effective.

Follow-Up Dental Visits

If your dental crown feels too high or your bite seems uneven, contact us for a complimentary adjustment. For long-term care, continue brushing and flossing daily, and schedule regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning every six months. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the health of your dental crown and catch any potential issues early.

Have Questions?

If you have any concerns about your dental crown or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile!