Post Care After Crown/Bridge

You have just received a temporary crown. This temporary crown is meant only to serve your needs while a permanent crown is being made for you.

Color: The color of the plastic temporary crown does not resemble the final (permanent) crown in any way.

Shape/Size: Temporary crowns are custom-made for each patient, but they will not, in any way resemble the final crown, which is being made specifically for you.

Tooth Sensitivity: Your temporary crown will help protect the sensitivity of the prepared tooth. However, it does not fit your mouth like the permanent crown will, so you may notice sensitivity to heat/cold or sweets– sensations you won’t feel when your specially-made crown is in place.

Here are some other things you need to know about your temporary crown:
The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set. Please do not chew during that time.
Certain foods will stick to the temporary crown. Please refrain from chewing gum, candies, or foods that might stick to the crown or even pull it out.
Temporary crowns are not strong and they may occasionally break or come off. If this happens, please contact our office immediately, bring your crown with you and we will replace it. Should you be unable to contact us, simply go to a pharmacy and purchase some Fixodent. Replace the temporary crown on your tooth using Fixodent until you can contact us.
Please do not leave the temporary crown out of your mouth. Without the temporary crown, your teeth may move and the permanent crown may not fit!
Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. Remember that it is important to keep the area clean, but use caution.
It is imperative that you return to our office at the appointed time for your permanent crown. Failure to do so may result in the need to re-prepare the tooth and re-make the crown at your cost.

SECOND APPOINTMENT
Final cementation- Please do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after your new crown is cemented. Do not hard or sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement completely sets.

Your new crown may feel tight or as if it is pushing against the teeth next to it for several hours. This discomfort will go away within a day or two.

Sensitivity, especially to hot and cold is common after a crown is cemented. This may be the results of chemical reaction between the final cement and the tooth. The sensitivity usually subsides within a week or 10 days. Usually the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be.

You should make an adjustment appointment if the sensitivity persists or increases. We will check tissue reaction to remove potential excess cement and adjust the bite as needed.

The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but you will become accustomed to this in a few days.

Please follow prescribed oral hygiene instructions- 45 degree angle brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to avoid getting a cavity or gum disease around your new crown. Flossing is especially important in preserving the health of your crown or bridge.

A correctly fabricated crown or bridge should function as comfortably as your own tooth.