The First 24 Hours

Your new permanent crown is cemented in place and ready to use, but there are a few things to be mindful of in the first day.

Anaesthesia Wearing Off

The local anaesthetic will take 2–4 hours to wear off completely. During this time, avoid eating or drinking hot liquids — you won't be able to gauge temperature properly and could accidentally burn yourself. Be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while they're still numb.

Eating

Once the numbness has gone, you can eat normally. However, I'd suggest sticking to softer foods for the first 24 hours while the cement fully sets. Avoid very sticky foods (toffee, caramel, chewing gum) for the first day, as they could potentially pull on the crown before the cement reaches its full strength.

Sensitivity

Some mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal in the first few days. The tooth has been reshaped and a new material is sitting on top of it — a short adjustment period is expected. This sensitivity should resolve within a week. If it worsens or persists beyond that, get in touch.

Bite Check

Your bite should feel normal and comfortable. If you feel that the crown is hitting too early when you close your mouth — even slightly — please contact my practice. A high bite puts excessive force on the crowned tooth and can cause discomfort, sensitivity, and even damage over time. Adjusting it takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.

Long-Term Care

A crowned tooth needs the same level of care as a natural tooth — in some ways, even more attention. While the crown itself can't develop decay, the tooth underneath it certainly can, particularly at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth.

Daily Hygiene

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the gumline around the crown. An electric toothbrush can be especially effective at cleaning along crown margins.
Floss daily — this is critical. Thread the floss between the crowned tooth and its neighbours and clean the contact areas thoroughly. Slide the floss out gently rather than snapping it upwards.
Consider an interdental brush — if there's space between the crowned tooth and its neighbour, a small interdental brush can clean the area more effectively than floss alone.
Antiseptic mouthwash — while not essential, a fluoride or antiseptic rinse can provide additional protection, particularly around the crown margins.

Regular Check-Ups

I'll examine your crown at every routine appointment, checking for signs of wear, margin integrity, and gum health around the crowned tooth. Periodic X-rays help me confirm that the tooth underneath remains healthy. Early detection of any issues means simpler and less costly solutions.

Protect Against Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), a custom-made night guard is essential. Grinding generates enormous forces that can crack even the strongest crown materials. Many people grind without realising it — if you wake with a sore jaw, headaches, or I notice wear patterns on your teeth, I'll discuss a night guard with you.

What to Avoid

Very hard foods — don't bite down on ice, hard sweets, popcorn kernels, or nutshells with your crown
Using your teeth as tools — opening bottles, tearing packaging, or biting thread can damage crowns
Sticky sweets — toffee and chewy sweets can pull at crowns and are best avoided or eaten in moderation
Nail biting and pen chewing — habitual forces on the crown can weaken it over time

How Long Do Crowns Last?

A well-made, well-maintained crown typically lasts 10–15 years, with many lasting 20 years or longer. The factors that most influence longevity are:

Oral hygiene — the most common reason crowns fail is decay at the margin, which is preventable with good cleaning
Grinding habits — untreated bruxism significantly shortens a crown's lifespan
Material — gold and zirconia tend to be the most durable, while all-porcelain crowns offer the best aesthetics with very good durability
Location — crowns on back molars bear heavier forces than those on front teeth
The underlying tooth — a healthy, well-prepared tooth provides the best foundation

When a crown does eventually need replacing, the process is similar to the original — I remove the old crown, reassess the tooth, and fit a new one.

Signs of Problems

Contact my practice if you notice any of the following:

Pain or sensitivity that develops months or years after the crown was placed — this could indicate new decay under the crown or a crack in the tooth
The crown feels loose or rocks slightly when you push on it with your tongue
A chip or crack in the crown — even a small one should be assessed
Dark line at the gumline — this can indicate gum recession exposing the crown margin, especially with older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
Gum swelling or bleeding around the crowned tooth — this may signal gum disease or an issue with the crown margin
A bad taste or smell coming from the area around the crown — this could indicate a gap where bacteria are accumulating
The crown falls off — keep it safe, avoid eating on that side, and contact me immediately. In many cases, the crown can be re-cemented

Most problems with crowns are easily resolved when caught early. Don't wait for your next scheduled appointment if something doesn't feel right — a quick assessment can save you from a much bigger issue down the line.

Dental Crown Aftercare