Post-Operative Instructions Following Crowns and Bridges

WHILE WEARING A TEMPORARY CROWN OR BRIDGE:

• You will wear a temporary restoration until your permanent restoration is made. This restoration is smaller in size than your permanent crown will be and not anatomical.
• It is normal for the gum around the tooth to be tender for a day or two. If the tenderness persists any longer than two days, please call the office immediately so we can check the temporary restoration and make any needed corrections.
• If the temporary restoration comes loose or breaks, do not panic, this is not unusual. Please call us. We can make a new temporary if needed.
• Please avoid eating with the temporary restoration as much as possible.
• Carefully clean around the restoration with a toothbrush and floss every day. When you do floss, pull the floss carefully out the side to avoid pulling the restoration off. In certain cases, we may advise you not to floss the area until your final restoration is delivered.
• Avoid sticky foods and chewing gum on the temporary restoration to avoid pulling it off.
• Slight discomfort, sensitivity and tenderness are possible after a tooth has had dental treatment, but if any of these persist for more than a day or two, please call the office.

AFTER THE PERMANENT RESTORATION HAS BEEN DELIVERED:

• Chewing: Do not chew hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented. The cement must mature for about 24 hours to have optimum strength.
• Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods is common. It should disappear gradually over a few weeks. Infrequently, sensitivity lasts longer than six weeks. Please tell us if this occurs.
• Aggressive chewing: Do not chew ice or other hard objects. Avoid chewing very sticky foods such as "hard tack" candies because they can damage or loosen the restoration.