Crown and Fillings Post-Operative Instructions

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

It is normal to experience mild soreness or sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets, or pressure for several days following treatment. This should gradually improve. If your bite feels uneven or the tooth contacts before your other teeth, please call our office. A simple adjustment can usually resolve the issue.

EATING & DRINKING

• Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating.
• Avoid very hot foods and beverages until normal sensation returns.
• If you received a temporary crown, avoid chewing sticky, chewy, or hard foods on that side whenever possible.

IF YOU RECEIVED LOCAL ANESTHETIC (NUMBING)

• Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
• Be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lip while numb.

CARING FOR YOUR RESTORATION

• Brush and floss gently as normal unless instructed otherwise.
• Avoid using a Waterpik around your temporary crown, as the water pressure may loosen or dislodge it.
• If you wear a removable retainer, clear aligner, or night guard, it may not fit properly while your temporary crown is in place. Wearing it could dislodge the temporary. If you are unsure whether it is safe to wear, please contact our office.

IF YOUR TEMPORARY CROWN COMES OFF

Temporary crowns are designed to protect your tooth until your permanent crown is ready and can occasionally become loose.

• During business hours, please contact our office so we can recement it.
• If it comes off over the weekend or after hours and you are comfortable doing so, you may purchase temporary dental cement or Fixodent® from most pharmacies to gently hold it in place until we can see you.
• If you are unable to replace it, keep the crown in a safe place and contact our office on the next business day. Avoid chewing on that tooth until it has been recemented.

WHEN TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE

Please call us if you experience:

• Severe or increasing pain
• Swelling that worsens after treatment
• A loose or lost filling or crown
• Persistent sensitivity that does not improve
• Difficulty chewing or biting comfortably after a few days