Dental Crowns Post Op

Instructions for Temporary Crown

You have just received a temporary crown. This temporary crown is meant only to serve your needs while a permanent crown is being made for you. Although we make the temporary crown to resemble the final crown, it may not look exactly like the permanent crown. It is not unusual to have some temperature sensitivity while the temporary crown is in place. This will, in most cases, be relieved by the replacement of the temporary crown with the permanent crown. Taking over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen should handle any post treatment discomfort. It may be a good idea to take one of these immediately after the appointment before you experience any discomfort.

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

1. The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set. Please do not chew during that period of time.

2. You should be able to use the temporary crown normally when eating. Certain foods will stick to the temporary crown. Please refrain from chewing gum, candies or foods that might stick to the crown or even pull it out. (gum, gummy bears, caramels, ice, etc.)

3. Temporary crowns are not strong; they may occasionally become loose, break or come off. If this should happen to you, this is not a dental emergency. However, please contact our office immediately, bring your crown with you and we will replace or re-cement the temporary crown. If this happens at night or on the weekend, replace the temporary crown on your tooth after filling the crown with toothpaste, Vaseline, or Fixodent to hold it in place until you can contact us and allow us to properly cement it.

4. It is important that the temporary crown remains on the tooth to protect the underlying tooth structure. Without the temporary crown, your teeth may move and then the permanent crown may not fit!

5. Please clean around the temporary crown as you would any other tooth. Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. Remember that it is important to keep the area clean/healthy and not bleeding – but use caution.

6. It is imperative that you return to our office at the appointment time for you permanent crown. Failure to do so may result in the need to re-prepare the tooth and re-make the crown at your cost.

Remember to call ​​promptly in case of unusual developments.

Instructions for Permanent Crown

You have just had some crowns or fixed bridges cemented onto your teeth. They will replace your missing tooth structure or missing teeth very well, and should give you years of good service – provided you observe the following cautions:

Chewing: ​Do not chew hard food on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented – to attain optimum strength, the cement must mature for approximately 24 hours.

Sensitivity: ​Don’t worry about mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This sensitivity will disappear gradually after a few weeks. Infrequently, sensitivity lasts longer than six weeks. Please notify us if this occurs.

Preventive Procedures:​ To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissues breakdown, please use the following preventative procedures:
__Brush and floss after eating and before bedtime
__Use a fluoride rinse, swish vigorously for at least 30 seconds daily
__Brush with fluoride toothpaste if prescribed by our office
__Use a (WaterPik, a mechanical toothbrush, etc.) as advised by us

Recalls: The​ most significant reason for prosthesis failure is inadequate return for examination. Visit us at regular examination periods determined by your dentist. Often problems that are developing around the restorations can be found at an early stage and corrected easily. Waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire restoration.

Problems: Call us immediately if any one of these conditions occurs:

• A feeling of movement or looseness in the restoration
• Sensitivity to sweet foods
• A peculiar taste from the restoration site
• Breakage of a piece of material from the restoration
• Sensitivity to pressure

We have done our best to provide you with the finest quality restoration available today. Only your continuing care and concern can assure good long-term dental health.