Follow us on-
Protect Your New Smile From Day One
Getting a crown or bridge is an important step in restoring your smile and protecting your teeth. After your appointment, it’s important to take a little extra care, especially if you have a temporary crown or bridge in place. Following the right steps now can help prevent discomfort and keep your treatment on track. A little caution during this time can help ensure your final crown or bridge fits and functions perfectly.
Below are simple guidelines to help you heal comfortably and avoid any problems before your permanent restoration is placed.
Temporary Crown or Bridge Care Instructions
1. After Your Appointment:
- Wait Before Eating or Drinking: Allow at least 30 minutes for the temporary cement to set before eating or drinking anything.
- Be Mindful of Sensitivity: Temporary crowns and bridges may feel slightly different than your natural teeth, but this should improve over time.
2. Eating Guidelines:
- Avoid Certain Foods: For the first few days, stay away from foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy, such as nuts, candy, chewing gum, etc.
- Chew Carefully: Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the temporary restoration.
3. Cleaning Your Teeth:
- No Flossing Around the Temporary: Avoid flossing directly around your temporary crown or bridge to prevent dislodging it.
- No Waterpik or Water Flosser: Refrain from using a Waterpik or water flosser in the area of the temporary restoration.
- Gentle Brushing: You can continue brushing your teeth, but be gentle around the temporary crown or bridge to prevent damage.
4. If Your Temporary Comes Off:
- Stay Calm: It's not considered an emergency if your temporary crown or bridge comes off.
- Temporary Fix: If it happens over the weekend, you can find temporary dental cement at a local pharmacy to put it back in place.
- Contact Us: Call our office as soon as possible so we can properly re-cement your temporary restoration.
Once your permanent crown or bridge is ready, our office will contact you to schedule your final placement appointment. You do not need any pre-medication for this visit.
Why These Instructions Matter
Temporary crowns and bridges are not as strong as permanent ones. Following these steps helps:
- Keep your temporary in place
- Protect your tooth underneath
- Prevent delays in your treatment
Taking proper care also reduces the risk of sensitivity, irritation, or the need for additional visits. A well-maintained temporary allows your dentist to ensure your permanent crown or bridge fits comfortably and looks natural when it’s placed.
Have Questions or Concerns?
If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. Taking a few simple precautions now can make a big difference in your final results.