After a Crown Is Fitted: Settling In and Long-Term Care
For anyone who has just had a crown fitted: what NHS guidance, dental school leaflets and research say about the first days, the gum at the crown's edge, a high bite, cleaning around it, a crown that comes off and long-term care. Clean where the crown meets the gum daily, and show a dentist anything that concerns you.
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Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, principal dentist at Deepcar Dental Care and a General Dental Practitioner (GDC 301711), reviewed this page.
What happens in the first few days after getting a crown?
After a crown is fitted, take care while any numbness wears off, then notice how your bite feels and keep the crown's edge clean.
Bristol Dental School's crown guide says the tooth may be numbed with local anaesthetic at the fitting appointment, and that some pressure on the tooth while the crown is cemented is normal. NHS guidance on local anaesthetic says to move carefully until it has fully worn off, as you may not notice if you injure yourself.
What happens to the gum around a new crown?
A crown's margin is where crown meets tooth; where it sits under the gum, the gum's health there depends partly on keeping it clean.
A 2018 review (Ercoli and Caton) found that crown edges within the shallow groove between gum and tooth do not cause gum inflammation if patients keep plaque under control and attend periodic maintenance; edges placed deeper, into the gum's attachment to the tooth, can be associated with inflammation and, potentially, recession. The authors noted that the evidence in several areas is not conclusive.
Ercoli and Caton's 2018 review notes that crowns and other restorations fixed to teeth, through their design, making, fitting and materials, have often been associated with plaque retention and loss of the gum's attachment to the tooth; that the procedures used to make crowns have the potential to damage the tissues supporting the tooth; and that reactions to dental materials can occur. A 2021 review (Ercoli and colleagues) found that pushing the gum aside for an impression can cause recession. Show a dentist anything about the gum around your crown that concerns you.
What should you do if your crown feels high when you bite?
If a crown feels high, or your teeth no longer meet the way they did, ask the dentist who fitted it to check your bite.
Reshaping a high point is called an occlusal adjustment.
How do you clean and floss around the margin of a crown?
Clean around a crown's margin by brushing along the gum line twice a day and cleaning between the teeth daily.
Delivering Better Oral Health, the UK prevention toolkit, advises cleaning the gum line thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and cleaning between the teeth daily to below the gum line.
NHS guidance on cleaning between teeth says to slip floss or dental tape into the area between your teeth and gums as far as it will go, or to use an interdental brush that fits snugly. Technique and sizing are in our guide to cleaning between your teeth.
Questions about this treatment? Book online or call the practice.
What should you do if your crown comes off?
If your crown comes off, see a dentist; if you have the crown, keep it safe and take it with you, NHS 111 Wales advises.
While you wait, NHS 111 Wales advises brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on sugary foods and drinks and trying to keep them to mealtimes only, trying to avoid biting hard foods with the tooth, avoiding very hot or cold food and drink, and using a sensitive toothpaste if the tooth is sensitive.
Whether the original crown can be refitted is explained on our page about recementing a crown that has come off.
How do you look after a crown in the long term?
Looking after a crown long term means daily cleaning, cutting down on sugar and regular check-ups, because the tooth underneath can still decay.
Without good oral hygiene and a low-sugar diet, the tooth might start to decay around the crown, a Cork University Dental School leaflet says; undetected for a period of time, it may need root canal treatment and a new crown, or extraction. Bristol Dental School adds that the gum can recede over time, so the crown's margins may become visible, and where porcelain is used it may fracture, meaning the crown needs replacing.
At Deepcar Dental Care, the realistic lifespan range for a crown is 5 to 20 years. Outcomes depend on the individual patient, their oral hygiene and their habits. Lifespan is covered on our page about how long dental crowns last, and everyday habits on our page about making restorations last.
When should you speak to a dentist after a crown is fitted?
Speak to a dentist if a crown is sensitive after fitting, or if the tooth becomes painful.
Preparing a living tooth for a crown carries a risk to its nerve. Cork University Dental School's leaflet says that in 10 to 20% of cases, the nerve dies following placement of the crown, which might mean root canal treatment later and may also involve replacing the crown. If the tooth becomes painful, NHS toothache guidance says:
- See a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days, does not go away when you take painkillers, comes with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums or a bad taste in your mouth, or your cheek or jaw is swollen. Do not go to a GP, as they cannot give dental treatment.
- If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment, call 111 or visit 111 online.
- Go to A&E if you have toothache and the area around your eye or your neck is swollen, or swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak. Do not drive to A&E: ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.
What else does restorative aftercare cover?
Recovery after other restorative treatment is covered among the options in this section. Crowns are one way of repairing and rebuilding damaged teeth, saving natural teeth rather than replacing them with implants.
Frequently asked questions
What if a temporary crown breaks or comes off?
Contact your dentist immediately, Cork University Dental School advises, if a temporary crown breaks or becomes dislodged, which it says can occasionally happen. Bristol Dental School says temporary crowns can be easily broken, and that it is important to return for the fit of the definitive crown, as most are not designed to last long.
What if a new crown just feels strange?
Notice whether it is the bite, the gum or the tooth itself. A Cork University Dental School leaflet says a crown is checked for fit, comfort on biting and appearance before it is cemented; if it still feels wrong once any numbness has gone, show it to the dentist who fitted it.
Does aftercare cover apply to crowns at Deepcar Dental Care?
Yes, 12-month aftercare cover applies to crowns fitted at Deepcar Dental Care. Fillings, bridges, dentures and porcelain veneers at the practice are covered too. The cover excludes damage resulting from accidental trauma or infection, and for dentures, it also excludes gum recession.
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We look after patients from Deepcar, Stocksbridge and Oughtibridge, and from across north Sheffield, including Wadsley, Hillsborough and Fulwood. Many travel further, from Penistone, Barnsley and Rotherham. The practice is on the A6102 at 334 Manchester Road, and no referral is needed.
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