If your teeth are decayed, chipped, or missing, a dentist may recommend a dental crown. This is particularly true if a filling or veneer won’t work. Dental crowns are essentially permanent tooth coverings that can improve the health and aesthetics of your teeth. Let’s take a closer look at how they work and whether they can lead to blurred vision.
Pros of Dental Crowns
The greatest benefits of dental crowns are that they alleviate pain, can help you achieve a balanced bite, and prevent discoloration as you age. They can resolve a variety of imperfections including damaged, chipped, or cracked teeth. In some cases, crowns can also improve the spacing or shape of your teeth.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, dental crowns cover more than just the surfaces of teeth. They cover the teeth entirely. During a dental crown treatment, a dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to prepare for what’s to come. Then, they will trim your enamel to make room for the tooth crown. Since the crown covers the tooth completely, a great deal of your tooth’s structure will need to be removed.
Next, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to ensure the perfect fit. Depending on your dentist, they may send you home with a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being manufactured in a lab. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to the dentist so that the crown can be permanently cemented to your teeth through a special adhesive. Rest assured your dentist will make sure the crown fits well and is the same color as your natural teeth so that it fits in seamlessly with the rest of your mouth.
How to Recover From a Dental Crown Procedure
After a dental crown procedure, you will likely experience a few reactions. Understand that they are completely normal. First off, you might notice some numbness that comes from the local anesthetic your dentist likely used. The numbness may cause a crooked smile or sensations you’re not used to. This should wear off after several hours.
You might also face a bit of pain, sensitivity, and discomfort, which may last anywhere from a few days to a week. You can reduce your discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication like Advil. But if your pain becomes unbearable, you might have inflammation and need to contact your dentist.
If you notice blurred vision, you should also reach out to your dentist right away. This is not a common side effect of a dental crown procedure and warrants immediate attention. Blurred vision may be a sign of TMJ or another underlying health condition.
To recover in the safest, most effective manner possible, stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth for the first few days. Also, don’t forget to treat your crowned teeth like your natural teeth. Brush them twice a day and floss daily.
Contact Moore Family Dentistry Today
If you have further questions about dental crowns or would like to make an appointment at Moore, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can reach us at 919.772.1811. We look forward to hearing from you!
