Post-op:
Crowns & BRIDGES

You have just had a crown preparation procedure and now have either a provisional or a permanent crown cemented. The provisional crown has replaced your missing tooth structure and should act as a tooth replacement until you receive your permanent crown. Your provisional crown will last the 3-4 weeks it takes our lab to fabricate the permanent crown if you observe the following recommendations:

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• No eating or drinking anything EXCEPT water for 1 hour following crown cementation

  • ​The cement is still curing for 1 hour- if you do choose to eat/drink during this time period, the integrity of the cement could be compromised

  • Compromised cement may let in bacteria that could cause the underlying tooth structure to decay - AND it will not hold a crown as well at it should - causing the crown to fall off

• Keep the new crown clean! The underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay

  • Brush and floss twice a day to keep your underlying tooth structure healthy

    • ​If you have a bridge, remember to floss UNDER the bridge to remove food/buildup

  • Regulating your intake of sugar-containing foods will increase the longevity of your new restorations.

• If you have a night guard/occlusal guard please still continue to wear it diligently as clenching and grinding your teeth can cause a crown to dislodge or fracture

• Take any medications as prescribed

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KEEP IN MIND

• As the provisional crown is used until the permanent crown is produced, it is designed to be a template for your final restoration

  • Let us know any concerns you have about the color, shape or bite of the provisional crown

  • Your new permanent crown may feel different than the provisional crown, and that is perfectly normal

  • It might take a few days to adjust with the new crown in the mouth - but do not hesitate to give us a call if you feel that something is off

• You may experience some discomfort due to gum irritation in the area where the crown was placed

  • Crown preparation and cementation of the crown can irritate the gum tissue. Rinsing with warm salt water - after the 1 hr curing period - should soothe the area

  • Call our office if the tenderness or soreness persists longer than 24 hours

• You may experience sensitivity to heat, cold or pressure when the crown is first placed. This should decrease and go away completely within a couple of days

  • If you continue to have severe sensitivity for over 24 hrs or if the sensitivity increases, please give our office a call

• Avoid eating very hard and sticky foods (ie: caramels, toffees, etc)

  • The provisional crown is placed with a TEMPORARY cement that is made to "unstick" when pulled on. Therefore, the force of sticky foods may cause dislodging

  • Your permanent crown is cemented with PERMANENT cement, but it is not a natural part of your tooth. It can be dislodged with enough force.

• If your crown does dislodge, please call our office immediately to have it recemented 

  • Waiting can cause sensitivity, decay or movement of teeth that may cause your crown not to fit anymore

  • If your permanent crown doesn’t fit, you may have to get a new crown

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Should you have further questions, experience unexpected discomfort, swelling or an unusual bite, please contact our office at 561-745-1174​