After Crowns & Bridges

By the time your tooth needs a crown, it is already damaged either by a fracture, decay, previous root canal treatment, or a large failing filling. Add to this the reshaping and possible refilling of that same tooth and you can understand why a freshly prepared tooth might be sensitive. Usually Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or Ibruprophen (Advil, Motrin) work well if you are experiencing sensitivity. If your tooth feels more than just a little cold sensitive, contact us. Sometimes your temporary needs to be adjusted or additional treatment may be needed.
It is very important to keep your tooth clean while you have your temporary on. Inflamed gums bleed easily and may compromise the strength of the cement when your final crown in seated. Be sure to massage your gum tissue with your toothbrush and floss daily. Remember when flossing, to avoid moving the floss up and down so you don’t dislodge the temporary crown.
Avoid chewing on gum and sticky foods while you have your temporary crown on. This temporary was intentionally placed with weak cement so we’re able to remove it easily when it comes time to cement your final crown or bridge. We also advise that you not chew hard foods such as candy and ice to avoid cracking your temporary.
Sometimes your jaw may be sore after receiving local anesthetic. If this is the case, over the counter Ibuprophen oftentimes works well.

If your temporary crown comes off:

Your temporary crown serves to protect the underlying tooth but also to keep your prepared tooth in the exact location as when the impression was taken. If your prepared tooth drifts at all, we will have to adjust your final crown much more.

If your temporary comes off, please call the office immediately. If you are unable to come into the office immediately, you may try to put the temporary crown back on yourself. You may use temporary dental cement (available at most drugstores), Fixadent or toothpaste to cement your temporary crown. Rinse it thoroughly or clean it with a toothpick. Try to place it back on your tooth so you know which way it goes. Very lightly line the inside of your temporary crown with the cement, Fixadent or toothpaste. Push the crown completely in place, wait a few seconds, then remove the excess cement with a toothpick, toothbrush, and floss. We will still want to see you to verify the fit of the temporary even if you have recemented it yourself.