Prepare For The Installation Of A Dental Crown

Your dentist may recommend having a dental crown installed over one of your molars if the tooth is beginning to weaken and decay. A crown that is the same color as your natural tooth will not be detectable and will allow you to use your tooth in a normal manner. If you are contemplating having a crown installed, prepare for the procedure and take care of the crown with the tips listed below.

Learn How A Crown Will Be Installed And Follow Your Dentist's Orders

If you are wary about having a crown installed, you should know that crowns are fairly common and can prevent your tooth from weakening or decaying further. To put your mind at ease, request to meet with your dentist for a brief consultation concerning the dental procedure.

Your dentist will give you an idea of how long the installation of a crown will take and any side effects that you can expect after having the procedure performed. Your dentist will likely request that you abstain from eating or consuming beverages before your dental procedure. Follow this advice and make sure that you receive a full night's rest before your dental appointment. 

Opt For Pain Relief During The Procedure

Your dentist may offer to numb your mouth prior to your appointment. A numbing agent will be placed inside of your mouth along your gumline and will prevent you from feeling discomfort during the installation of the crown.

If you choose to have a numbing agent added, be prepared to notice that speaking may be more difficult than normal and that you may not feel like yourself for several hours after the procedure is performed. Do not be alarmed, these effects are normal and the numbing agent that is used will gradually wear off. Once this occurs, you may experience slight discomfort and your dentist may recommend that you take aspirin or ibuprofen to counteract the pain. 

Brush And Floss And Avoid Damaging The Crown

After your crown is installed, it is important to care for it with the same dental procedures that you use when caring for your other teeth. Brush and floss the crowned tooth on a daily basis. Refrain from eating sugary snacks or foods that are difficult to chew. Foods that are sugary or hard could cause damage to the crown or cause it to loosen. If you ever experience extreme discomfort or if the crown becomes loose, contact your dentist immediately. Contact a dentist, like Rutherford Gregory S DDS , for more help.