After Crown or Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In 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. It usually takes about two weeks for the permanent custom crown or bridge to be 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.
The temporary crowns and bridges are designed to come off with gentle pressure by the dental staff. Occasionally a temporary crown may come off on its own. If this happens, call us and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. If the temporary crown is broken we will re-make it for you. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place in the mouth even though you may not have any pain or sensitivity with it off. It prevents other teeth from moving and shifting which might compromise the fit of your final crown or bridge.
To keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky foods like gum, taffy, or caramels which might pull the temporary off. Likewise avoid chewing hard foods like nuts or ice which might break the acrylic temporary. Where possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush the area normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary. When you floss the area, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some mild temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside within a few weeks after the cementation of the final crown or bridge. Please call our office if you have persistent pain in the area or if your bite feel uneven.