Your lip, tongue or palate may stay numb for several hours after your appointment. While you are still numb, avoid chewing gum, eating or drinking hot liquids. This helps prevent accidental biting or burns.
It is normal to feel some soreness around the treated tooth, gums, injection area or jaw joint. If you notice discomfort, you may apply moist heat to the area. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, if you are medically able to take it. Please follow the dosage instructions provided by our team or listed on the medication label.
A temporary acrylic restoration has been placed to protect your tooth until your final crown or bridge is ready. To help keep it in place, please avoid:
- Sticky foods
- Crunchy foods
- Chewing directly on the temporary restoration when possible
Please call our office if your bite feels too high or uneven while the temporary restoration is in place. An adjustment may be needed. Leaving the bite uneven can lead to tooth discomfort or damage to the temporary restoration.
Continue brushing your temporary restoration every day. When flossing, slide the floss down between the teeth as usual. Instead of pulling the floss back up, gently slide it out from the side. This helps reduce the chance of loosening the temporary crown or bridge. Our team will show you this technique when the temporary restoration is placed.
If your temporary restoration becomes loose, call our office so it can be re-cemented. If you cannot come in right away, a thin layer of denture adhesive powder or paste placed inside the temporary crown or bridge may help hold it in place for a short time. The temporary restoration should stay on your tooth until your permanent crown or bridge is delivered, as this helps ensure the final restoration fits properly.
Routine dental exams are important for maintaining the comfort, function and appearance of your crown or bridge over time.