How Long Does It Take For Dental Crown Cement To Set?

Dental crowns or caps are restorations placed over damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, and strength and to improve its appearance. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.

The crown is custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth, covering it completely and supporting the remaining tooth structure. The tooth is first prepared by removing decayed or damaged parts and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is fabricated.

Once the crown is ready, it is cemented onto the prepared tooth using a dental adhesive. Dental crowns can be used to restore teeth that are badly decayed, fractured, or discoloured or to protect teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. They can also improve the appearance of misshapen or poorly positioned teeth.

How Long Dental Crown Cement Takes To Set?

The time it takes for dental crown cement to set can vary depending on the type of cement used. Generally, traditional dental cement can take 10 to 15 minutes, while newer resin cement can set in as little as 5 minutes or less.

However, it's important to note that the cement's setting time differs from when it takes for the crown to bond fully to the tooth. The cement may initially set in a few minutes, but it can take several hours to harden and reach maximum strength fully.

During this time, it's important to avoid chewing or biting on the crown until the cement has fully set and hardened. Our dentist in NW Calgary will typically give you specific instructions on caring for your new crown and how long to wait before eating or drinking anything.

Overall, getting a dental crown can take a few weeks, from the initial tooth preparation and impression-taking to the placement of the final crown.

What Can You Eat After Getting A Crown?

After getting a dental crown, it's important to be gentle with the area where the crown has been placed for the first few days to allow the cement to harden fully and the tooth to heal. Here are some recommendations for foods you can eat during this time: 

Soft foods: Stick to soft foods that won't require a lot of chewing, such as soup, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs.

Cold foods: Cold foods can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the area, so try eating some ice cream, yoghurt, or smoothies.

Foods that are easy to chew: If you want to eat something more substantial, stick to foods that are easy to chew, such as cooked vegetables or tender meat.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: For the first few days after getting a crown, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge or damage the crown. It includes popcorn, nuts, hard candy, and chewy candy.

Be careful with hot foods and drinks: Hot foods and drinks can increase sensitivity and discomfort in the area, so be cautious and let them cool down before eating or drinking. 

As always, it's important to follow specific instructions from our dentist on caring for your new crown and what to eat or avoid during the healing process. To know more about dental crowns near you, visit our dental clinic today.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are restorations placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. The crown is custom-made to fit over the damaged tooth, covering it completely and supporting the remaining tooth structure. After the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth, it can take several hours for the cement to harden and reach its maximum strength fully. After getting a crown, it's important to eat soft foods, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, and be careful with hot foods and drinks for the first few days to allow the area to heal properly. It's always important to follow specific instructions from our dentist near you on caring for your new crown.