Post-Operative Instructions for
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Due to the numb feeling from the anesthetic agent, patients can chew the inside of their lips, cheeks, or tongue, which can cause serious damage. Care should be taken until the anesthetic wears off. The injection site may also be sore for a few days.
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Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a temporary prosthesis is usually placed on the tooth/teeth involved. This will protect them while your custom fitted restoration is being fabricated. The temporary restoration may have a different contour/texture than you original tooth and the new crown.
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Temporary crowns are made of a plastic-like material and thus they can discolor, break, or crack. If your temporary restoration is damaged between appointments, please call our office.
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Temporary crowns are generally made of universal color and shape and therefore may not be exactly like the permanent restoration that will be fabricated for you at the lab. The shade may not perfectly match the shade of your natural teeth. Your final restoration will be customized to match your other teeth in both color and shape.
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For ease of removal on your next appointment, temporary crowns are cemented with temporary cement. If your temporary prosthesis comes off between appointments, please call our office.
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Many crowns fit at or below the gumline. In order to make an exact impression of the area, materials are used that can cause the gums to be irritated and sore for a few days following the procedure. Sensitivity to cold and/or pressure is also possible.
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After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new restoration. The bite cannot always be adjusted ideally on patients who are numb and this could cause your tooth to be sensitive to cold, hot, pressure, or biting. If you feel that your bite need adjustment or you have sensitivity that is not going away, please call our office for an appointment for an evaluation.
Some cements harden right away and you can chew and floss normally right when you leave. However, some cements takes 24 hours to full harden. If we use this cement, please avoid anything hard, crunchy or sticky for the first day after cementation. Ideally, avoid eating at all on the new restoration for the first day. Biting too hard on the new crown or chewing on sticky foods can break the restoration or loosen the cement.
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It is important that you start your home care as soon as you can, even if it is a little uncomfortable - start gently. Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you maintain and retain your final restoration.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at 651-452-2116.
