Crown or Bridge Post-Op Instructions

It is normal for you to experience some soreness following your dental procedure—at the injection site, the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, and possibly your jaw from holding it open for an extended period. Sometimes, teeth are a little bit sensitive to cold while wearing a temporary.

You’ll need to take care not to bite your tongue, cheek, or lip while you are numb. While it varies from person to person, numbness can last for up to 8 hours.

While wearing a temporary crown or bridge, you’ll need to be careful with chewing in that area. Try to avoid foods that are especially hard, chewy/sticky, or crunchy.

Sometimes, it’s best to avoid flossing around the temporaries, but when flossing in that area, do not pull it up in the same path as entry but rather pull it outward through the teeth. Dr. Chelsea, Dr. Jim, or your dental assistant will demonstrate.

It is normal for your temporary to feel a little bit rough and not match your other teeth as well as your final crown will. It is made of a temporary acrylic material that is more fragile and less aesthetic.

If your temporary crown comes off, do not panic! This is a common occurrence and easily fixed. It is not considered a dental emergency unless it is a front tooth (for aesthetic reasons) or if you are experiencing severe sensitivity; some sensitivity is normal. Call our office to schedule a time to come in for a re-cement or to find out if Dr. Jim or Dr. Chelsea are okay with you leaving it off.

Restorative Post-Op Instructions

It is normal for you to experience some soreness following your dental procedure—at the injection site, the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, and possibly your jaw from holding it open for an extended pperiod However, if the soreness does not feel like it is improving, is worsening, or if you are experiencing a sharp or throbbing pain, please call our office.

You’ll need to take care tnot tobite your tongue, cheek, or lip while you are numb. While it varies from person to person, numbness can last for up to 8 hours. After the numbness wears off, you can resume normal activity.

Oral Surgery Post-Op Instructions

Proper care of the surgical site following a dental procedure can reduce complications and post-op pain and decrease healing time.

  • Maintain gentle pressure with the provided gauze for 1 hour after the procedure (replace gauze after 30 minutes) – do not chew on the gauze.
  • Do not use a straw, smoke, or consume alcohol for at least 3-4 days.
  • Do not rinse or spit for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold liquids for the first 24–48 hours, and eat a soft diet for several days post-op.
  • After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon table salt with 8 ounces of warm water).
  • It is normal to experience discomfort following dental surgery—alternate 600 mg Ibuprofen and 600 mg Acetaminophen every four hours as needed unless advised otherwise by Dr. Bryant.
  • Avoid excessive activity.
  • If sutures were placed, they will dissolve on their own, and you do not need to return for removal unless directed.
  • To help with swelling, alternate ice and moist heat – 20 min on and 10 min off for the first 24 hours.
  • Call the office if there are any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, etc.).
  • Call 911 if you have any difficulty breathing.
  • Call the office if you have any questions.