Crown and Bridge Prep Post Op
- When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It's easy to bite/burn your tongue or lip while numb
- It's recommended that you take Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed) before the anesthetic wears off. This will help with any swelling or pain at the injection sites where your anesthetic was administered
- The gum tissues around the prepared teeth may be sore for several days. You may rinse your mouth with warm salt water (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse, and spit) to reduce pain and swelling. There are times when a prescription rinse may be dispensed to assist with gum tissue healing. It's important to use as directed
- Crowns + bridges usually take 2-3 appointments to complete. At the first visit the teeth are prepared and a temporary crown or bridge is placed with temporary cement while awaiting the final restoration. The temporary restoration not only protects the tooth from damage, but also prevents it from shifting position, helps gum tissue to heal in the proper location, and provides a cosmetic solution until the permanent restoration can be placed
- Your tooth may feel sensitive to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is normal and should subside in a few days. If this sensitivity is severe and doesn't dissipate, call us immediately for an evaluation
- Don't eat anything sticky, hard, or chewy as this may pull off the temporary or break it. Be careful brushing and avoid flossing adjacent to the temporary as this may cause it to become dislodged. Once the permanent restoration is placed, you may brush and floss normally. Should a temporary inadvertently come off, try to place it back on the tooth and call immediately to have it re-cemented
- Your temporary may feel rough to your tongue and may not be the same shape/color as the permanent restoration. You can feel confident that your new restoration is being made using state-of-the art materials by the finest laboratories and technicians
