Crown and Bridge Post-Op Instructions

Same-Day Crown (Preparation & Delivery on the Same Visit)

Numbness

  • Your mouth may remain numb for several hours.

  • Avoid chewing until the numbness wears off to prevent biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.

Eating & Drinking

  • Avoid eating for at least 1 hour after crown placement.

  • For the rest of the day:

    • Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods (ice, hard candy, gum, caramels).

    • Avoid extremely hot or cold foods until sensitivity subsides.

  • Resume a normal diet as comfort allows.

Sensitivity

  • Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal and should improve over a few days to a couple of weeks.

  • Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed.

  • Avoid chewing hard foods on the crowned tooth if sensitivity persists.

Bite & Comfort

  • Your bite should feel comfortable.

  • If the crown feels “too high” or uncomfortable when biting, contact the office—do not wait, as this can cause pain or jaw discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

  • Brush and floss normally.

  • When flossing, gently slide the floss out to the side rather than snapping it straight up.

Pain Management

  • Mild soreness is normal

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may be taken as directed unless contraindicated.

When to Call the Office

  • Persistent pain or sensitivity lasting more than 1–2 weeks

  • Pain when biting

  • Crown feels loose or comes off

  • Swelling or signs of infection
    Post-Operative Instructions

Temporary Crown (Temporized Tooth)

Numbness

  • Avoid chewing until numbness has completely worn off.

Eating & Drinking

  • Avoid eating for at least 1 hour after placement.

  • Until the permanent crown is placed:

    • Avoid sticky foods (gum, caramels, taffy).

    • Avoid hard or crunchy foods (ice, nuts, hard candy).

    • Chew on the opposite side when possible.

Temporary Crown Care

  • Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns and are held in place with temporary cement.

  • Avoid pulling or pushing on the crown with your tongue or fingers.

Oral Hygiene

  • Brush gently around the temporary crown.

  • Floss carefully:

    • Slide floss out sideways instead of lifting it straight up to avoid dislodging the crown.

Sensitivity

  • Sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal.

  • Avoid very hot or cold foods if sensitivity occurs.

If the Temporary Crown Comes Off

  • Do not panic.

  • If possible, place the crown back over the tooth using temporary dental cement or toothpaste.

  • Call the office as soon as possible to have it re-cemented.

  • Do not leave the tooth uncovered for an extended period.

Pain Management

  • Mild soreness is normal.

  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed if needed.

When to Call the Office Immediately

  • Temporary crown comes off or breaks

  • Severe or increasing pain

  • Swelling, fever, or signs of infection

  • Bite feels uncomfortable or uneven