Crown & Bridge
Find the instructions for your visit: a same-day crown, or a temporary crown while your permanent one is made.
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
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
Questions about your recovery?
Our team is happy to help. Call us any time during office hours.