A tooth crown is a dental cap installed over a damaged tooth that restores the tooth's appearance and functionality. Placement can be performed by an experienced dentist in a single sitting. However, aftercare may require several days. Here are some tips to help you recover from the procedure. 

How to Care for Dental Crowns

1. Take Pain Pills as Necessary

Depending on the procedure, your dentist may need to perform some amount of surgery. The incision could prove moderately painful as it heals. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol®, aspirin, or Advil® are usually enough to dull the discomfort. Take these as directed, or ask your dentist to prescribe a more powerful and effective pain killer for the first few days.

2. Avoid Very Hot or Cold Foods

Your mouth may be sensitive to heat and cold after a tooth crown placement. To prevent discomfort, avoid hot and cold food for the first week. This includes items like soup, oatmeal, and other foods that retain heat for a long time, as well as ice water and other icy or frozen drinks. Use of cloves or clove oil can help relieve the pain of temporary tooth sensitivity.

3. Brush and Floss Daily

For long-term oral health, treat your tooth crown just as you would your natural teeth. Brush after meals to remove plaque, a gooey residue that hardens over time into tarter, which a dentist must scrape off to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Floss daily to eliminate trapped particles and hard-to-reach plaque, and visit your dentist for teeth cleanings every six months.

If you need tooth crowns to improve your smile and confidence, contact Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT. They serve patients throughout New London County, specializing in teeth cleaning, tooth fillings, dental veneers, and teeth whitening. They ae renowned for their compassionate, painless care. They provide sedation dentistry and a calm, stress-free environment for those with anxiety. Learn more about them on their website or call (860) 447-2235 to schedule a tooth crown procedure.