How to Care for Your New Crown or Bridge
AVOID:
• Drinking hot beverages under the effects of anesthesia.
• Eating sticky or hard foods (e.g. chewing gum, candy).
CHEW ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE
From the Next Day to Complete Healing: Your lips, teeth, cheek and/or tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure. To prevent injury, you should avoid any chewing and hot beverages until numbness subsides.
ORAL HYGIENE
Brush your teeth as usual and floss carefully to avoid dislodging the temporary crown. If a temporary crown comes loose, it is important that you return to the clinic to have it cemented in place it again. This prevents the other teeth from moving and keeps soft tissue in place, all of which facilitates installation of the new tooth. It is extremely important to maintain excellent oral hygiene with your new crown or bridge. Some people have the misconception that a crowned tooth no longer needs to be maintained. Crowns and bridges are still susceptible to decay near the gum-line the same as a natural tooth.
SENSITIVITY
Also bear in mind that a certain adjustment period is necessary after a new crown is installed. During this period, you may feel some sensitivity in reaction to temperature variations or when chewing hard foods. However, you should be comfortable when you close your mouth completely. Otherwise, an occlusion adjustment will be necessary. Please drop by the clinic immediately to correct the problem.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
The materials in crowns are strong and stable, however they still have the potential to fracture the same as as natural tooth. As a rule of thumb, don't do anything with a crown or bridge that could damage a natural tooth. If you take good care of them, crowns generally last for 10 years or longer.