Post Operative Care: Crowns and Bridges

Crown and bridge appointments are usually 2 to 3 visits. Some bridge appointments may need a fourth visit.

The first visit is always the longest, taking up to 2 ½ hours. At the end of this visit, your mouth will be very numb in the area where the work was done. In addition, you will have a temporary crown or a temporary bridge in place.

To avoid injuring your mouth while you’re numb, do not eat or drink anything hot. You may drink something cold. The temporary crown or bridge is made of a soft acrylic material, and cannot withstand heavy loads of chewing. As a result, please do not eat anything hard (nuts or ice), sticky (caramel or candy) or chewy (tootsie rolls, chewing gum).

Cold and pressure sensitivity for a period of two to three weeks after the placement of the temporary crown or bridge is normal. You are welcome to take over the counter pain medications for relief. If this concerns you, please call the office.

After about two or three weeks of temporary crown or bridge, it will be time for the placement of the permanent crown or bridge. It is important that you make this appointment within three or four weeks of the first appointment. This is because the temporary crown or bridge may get loose and come off. If this happens, please save your temporary crown or bridge and call the office for the re-cement. It is important for you to have the temporary crown or bridge the entire time till the permanent crown or bridge is cemented. This avoids drifting and movement of neighboring teeth, and makes the permanent crown or bridge appointment easier.

When you receive the temporary or permanent crown or bridge, your bite may feel different for a few days. Please call the office if it lasts beyond a few days.

The feel of the temporary crown or bridge may not be as smooth as your natural teeth. The feel of the permanent crown or bridge will be very close to or feel exactly like your natural teeth.