Post-Treatment Instructions

Traditional crowns and bridges usually take two visits to complete. You will only be numbed up for the first, when we prepare the teeth and place temporaries. Avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has worn off completely. (It’s all too easy to accidentally bite or burn your tongue or lips while you’re still numb.)

Occasionally, a temporary may come off. If this happens, call us. It’s important for you to come back in so we can re-cement it. It will prevent other teeth from moving and affecting the fit of your final restoration. With a cerec crown or restoration, no temporary will be involved.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid chewing gum and eating sticky or very hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush between meals as you normally would, but floss carefully. Pull the floss out from the side of the temporaries. (Pulling up may dislodge them.)

It’s normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after both the prep and cementation appointments. This should subside after placement of the final restorations. Mild pain medication may be used as directed by our office. .

If your bite feels uneven or you have persistent pain, contact us.

Because the clot aids healing, it’s crucial that you not disturb or dislodge it. So don’t rinse vigorously. Don’t drink with a straw or smoke. Don’t drink alcohol or brush next to the extraction site for 72 hours.

Limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours, as the activity will raise your blood pressure, which may cause more bleeding from the surgical site.

You may feel some pain and experience swelling. And ice pack or unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Take pain medications as prescribed. If the medication doesn’t seem to be working, call us. If antibiotics have been prescribed, take them for the full length of time, even if your symptoms of infection are gone.

Through the rest of the day of your surgery, drink lots of fluids and eat soft, nutritious food. You can eat normally as soon as you’re comfortable.

It’s important to resume brushing and flossing your teeth regularly after 24 hours. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling past 2 to 3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (1 tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (1 Tylenol or ibuprofen every 3 to 4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside in about a week.

It will also take some time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. If you continue to detect any high spots or other problems with your bite, call our office to schedule an adjustment.

For the long-term success of your new teeth, daily brushing and flossing are a must, as are regular cleaning appointments here in the office.

Any food that can crack, chip, or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods (e.g., nuts, peanut brittle) and substances (e.g., ice, fingernails), as well as sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.

If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard for you to protect your new teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you.

Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.