Caring for Your New Smile: Aftercare for Crowns & Bridges
Receiving a crown or bridge is a fantastic step toward restoring your smile’s function and appearance. At Green Family Dental, we know the procedure in our office is only half the journey. Proper care at home, especially while you have your temporary restoration, is essential for a comfortable recovery and the long-term success of your final crown or bridge.
To help you heal smoothly and protect your investment, we have put together this complete guide to aftercare. Following these instructions will ensure your tooth stays healthy while we craft your custom restoration.
The First 24 Hours: The Adjustment Period
Right after your appointment, your mouth will need some time to adjust.
Dealing with Numbness
Your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth may be numb from the local anesthetic. This is completely normal. To avoid accidentally burning or biting yourself, please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. This can take a few hours, so be patient.
What to Eat
Your temporary crown or bridge is not as strong as your permanent one. To prevent it from breaking or coming loose, we recommend you stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours. Think about foods that require very little chewing.
Here are some great options:
- Jell-O or pudding
- Applesauce
- Greek yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Cooled soup (not hot)
- Macaroni & cheese
- Ice cream
- Finely chopped chicken or ground beef
Avoid hard, crunchy foods like nuts and chips, as well as sticky foods like caramel or taffy. These can easily damage or dislodge your temporary restoration. If your temporary crowns are on your front teeth, it is best to cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth. Avoid biting directly into foods like apples or sandwiches.
Daily Care for Your Temporary Restoration
Your temporary restoration is more than just a placeholder; it plays a very important role. It protects the prepared tooth underneath from bacteria and sensitivity, and it holds the necessary space to ensure your permanent crown or bridge fits perfectly. Caring for it properly is crucial.
Brushing and Flossing
It is important to maintain your oral hygiene, but you need to be gentle. Brush your teeth regularly as you normally would, but be careful around the new temporary.
When it comes to flossing, there is one key change. Instead of pulling the floss up and out from between the teeth, which can catch the edge of the temporary and pull it off, you should gently slide the floss out through the side. Simply guide the floss down between the teeth as usual, clean the side of the tooth, and then pull the floss through horizontally.
Managing Sensitivity
It is normal to experience some sensitivity to temperature and pressure after your procedure. This happens because the tooth has been worked on and needs time to settle down. This sensitivity should gradually subside, especially a few weeks after your final restoration is placed.
If you feel discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen may be used to provide relief.
What to Do if You Have a Problem
While we take great care to ensure your temporary is secure, issues can sometimes arise.
Gum Irritation
Occasionally, the gums around the temporary crown can become sensitive or inflamed. If this happens, you can rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into half a cup of warm water and rinse gently four times a day. This simple remedy is very effective at soothing irritated gum tissue.
If Your Temporary Comes Loose or Breaks
Should your temporary crown or bridge become damaged or fall off, please do not panic. It is important that you contact our office as soon as possible. Do not try to fix it yourself or leave it off for an extended period. We will be happy to schedule a quick appointment to recement or repair it for you, ensuring your tooth remains protected.
When to Call Us
Most discomfort is mild and temporary. However, you should contact Green Family Dental if your pain gets progressively worse, becomes severe, or is causing more than mild discomfort that isn’t helped by medication. We are here to support you through every step of your treatment.
Taking these simple steps will pave the way for a smooth placement of your permanent crown or bridge, leading to a beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smile.
Take the Next Step Toward a Stronger Smile
If you are living with a damaged, weak, or missing tooth, a dental crown or bridge could be the permanent solution you need. The team at Green Family Dental is committed to restoring your smile’s health, function, and beauty with high-quality, custom restorations. We use modern technology to ensure a comfortable experience and a result that looks and feels natural. Don’t wait any longer to address dental concerns. Contact Green Family Dental today to schedule your consultation and discover if a crown or bridge is the right choice for you.
