Crowns/Bridges Instructions

How long will I be numb?

  • Your lips, teeth, and/or tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure.
  • To avoid injury, you should avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue, cheek, or lip while you are numb.

Is it normal for my gums or jaw to be sore?

  • Irritation to the gum tissue can occur from dental work. Rinsing your mouth 2-3 times per day with ½ tsp of warm saltwater can help to alleviate discomfort.
  • Injection sites can be sore for several days after your appointment. Ibuprofen work well to alleviate the tenderness.

My bite feels off, is this normal?

  • Often during the appointment, it is difficult for you to tell if the bite is off while you are still numb. If your bite feels uneven after a day or two, please call our office so we can make a quick adjustment to the temporary or final restoration.
  • Do not assume your bite will get better after time. The tooth may become irritated and a toothache may occur if this is not done. Temperature sensitivity with the tooth may also occur as a result.

Is it normal for my teeth to be sensitive?

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets, and pressure after your appointment. It is common for this sensitivity to last a few weeks to several months after treatment. Usually, deeper cavities will be more sensitive. Again, make sure that your bite feels even.


What foods should I avoid with the temporary?

Avoid eating chewy and sticky foods, such as gum, taffy, caramel, etc. Also try not to eat hard foods directly on the temporary as it may fracture. It is best, if possible, to chew on the opposite side from the tooth that was worked on to avoid dislodging the temporary.


Why do I need the temporary to stay on?

While the custom restoration is being made, temporaries serve to protect the teeth and to help minimize temperature sensitivity. In addition, they help to prevent movement of the adjacent and opposing teeth so that the final crown will fit properly.


What should I do if my temporary comes off?

  • Occasionally, a temporary crown may fracture or come off. Call us if this occurs and bring your temporary with you to the office so that we may recement or repair it.
  • If the temporary comes off during off hours or if you are out-of-town, you can purchase recementing products from the drug store and attempt to do it yourself by following the instructions.

Can I brush and floss around my temporary?

You may brush your teeth and the temporary crown as usual using a soft toothbrush. Floss your temporary crown carefully. DO NOT pull up on the floss as this may dislodge or loosen the temporary. Instead, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary. If a temporary bridge was placed, use a floss threader to clean underneath the bridge and pull the floss out through the side or front of the temporary.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY THROBBING OR SHARP PAIN, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY


If you’re in Durham or surrounding areas, please call our office at 919-439-8999 to get more information about Dental Crowns and Bridges in Durham.