After-Care for Temporary and Permanent Crowns and Bridges

Congratulations on receiving your new dental crown!

Whether you have had a same-day crown, a traditional crown, or a temporary crown placed, following these post-operative instructions provided is essential for proper healing and long-term success. Your new crown represents an important investment in your oral health, and with the appropriate care, it can serve you well for many years. Please review the following guidelines to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Right After Your Appointment

Please wait until the numbing wears off before eating or drinking. Avoid hot foods or beverages as you may not accurately gauge temperatures, risking burns.
Gum irritation can occur following your appointment. This happens because you have recently been administered local anesthesia with a needle and retraction cords were used to push your gums out of the way during your appointment.
- Irrigate the affected area with saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in 8 ounces of lukewarm water) or with Chlorohexidine Gluconate (if prescribed) to soothe the tissue.

Home Care

In general, wait at least 48 hours before eating or chewing on the side with the new crown to allow for the cement to completely settle.
Continue to brush and floss twice a day.
- If you are using an electric toothbrush, please brush gently and carefully around the crown. Alternatively, consider turning it off until after the 48-hour window.
- When flossing, please pull the floss away from the mouth- not up or down- as to not pull the crown off until the cementation process is complete.
Avoid using your dental appliance like nightguards and retainers until after the two-day window.
Stick to a soft food diet (soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc.) during the healing process. Ease your way back into harder foods.
Post-op sensitivity to temperatures and biting is normal within the first few days of receiving a new crown. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as recommended to alleviate discomfort.

Temporary Crowns

If your temporary crown falls off before during the waiting period for your permanent crown, please call us so that we may re-cement it. If you are come by the office, you may use temporary dental adhesives, like Fixodent, which can be purchased online or in a drug store.

When To Call Us

If your bite feels off - further bite adjustments may be necessary after the anesthesia wears off
If pain and sensitivity persists or worsens, swelling occurs, or you start to have difficulties sleeping