After Crown and Bridge
Dental crowns and bridges usually take two appointments to complete. At the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. On the second visit, the final crowns or bridge is cemented in place.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us during regular hours if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. If the temporary crown comes off at night or on the weekend, either put the crown back in without cement, or buy a small tube of Fixodent denture adhesive at the drug store or grocery store. Denture adhesive is sold for keeping loose dentures in place, but it works well to keep a temporary crown in place until we can re-cement it. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE TEMPORARY TO STAY IN PLACE, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid chewing hard or eating sticky foods, hard foods, or chewing gum. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull on the floss in a way that may dislodge the temporary. Pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 706-738-8070.