Crowns/Bridges after care
Instructions Following Crown or Bridge Treatment
After the final cementation of your restoration if your bite feels unbalanced, has rough areas or you feel any discomfort, please be sure to call our office right away for an adjustment. Please do not wait to get used to it if the pain/discomfort is still there 24hrs after cementation.
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Home Care: Although crowns and bridges are often the most durable of all restorations, the underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay, especially at the interface between the tooth and crown. It is important to resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. Daily home care and regulating your intake of sugar-containing foods will increase the longevity of your new restorations.
With a bridge, it is more important than ever to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly. If you do not control the buildup of food debris and plaque - the sticky film of bacteria formed from food acids - your teeth and gums can become infected, requiring further treatment and resulting in possible loss of the bridge. Your dentist may also recommend using floss threaders that help remove bacteria from hard to reach spaces between the bridge and adjacent teeth and gums. If you maintain optimal oral hygiene care, you can expect your fixed bridge to last as many as 8-10+ years
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Right after procedure completion care:
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Your gums and teeth may be very tender after multiple crown preparations.
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Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of warm water and swish. Do this 2-3 times a day.
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Take Advil 600mg together with Tylenol 500mg for any discomfort you experience (can be repeated every 6 hours as needed).
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When brushing, use a soft bristled brush. Gently massage gums and teeth.
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Massage gums with your finger to stimulate tissue. The healthier your gums, the better your crown will feel.
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Avoid sticky foods (gum, taffy, caramels, etc.), chewing ice, nuts and hard candy.
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If the dentist placed a temporary crown or bridge:
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Floss your temporary crowns gently. Drop one end and pull the floss out to the side, so the temporary crown will not be loosened.
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If the temporary crown should come off, place a small amount of Vaseline on the inside of the temporary crown and reseat it. Then call the office as soon as possible so it can be recemented.
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If the nerves of your teeth were unhealthy before treatment, they may become symptomatic at this time. If the tooth does not settle down after the initial tenderness, please contact us immediately.
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Hot food or beverage can be harmful to anesthetized tissues. Please avoid drinking hot coffee, etc., until the numbness wears off.