At Pershing Family Dental, your smile is our top priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way—even after your treatment. If you’ve recently received dental crowns or bridges, following proper post-op care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and the best results for your permanent restoration. Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your temporary crown or bridge.
Adjusting After Your Procedure
After your dental procedure, it’s normal to feel some numbness around your lips, tongue, or roof of your mouth. This is due to the anesthetic and will wear off in time. Until the numbness fades completely, please avoid eating or drinking hot beverages to prevent any accidental injury.
What Can You Eat?
For the first 24 hours, stick to soft foods to protect your temporary restoration. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as they can damage or dislodge the temporary crown or bridge. Here are some patient-friendly ideas for softer meals and snacks:
- Jell-O
- Apple sauce
- Greek yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Cooled soup
- Macaroni & cheese
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Finely chopped chicken
- Ground beef
If your temporary crown is placed on your front teeth, cutting your food into smaller pieces and chewing using your back teeth is highly recommended. Avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples or sandwiches until your final restoration is in place.
Keeping Things Clean
Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical while wearing your temporary crown or bridge. Brush your teeth regularly, taking care to be gentle around the temporary restoration. Flossing is important too, but be cautious—slide the floss out horizontally instead of pulling up and down to avoid accidentally dislodging the temporary crown.
Why Is Your Temporary Crown Important?
Your temporary crown or bridge isn’t just a placeholder. It protects your tooth and keeps the space ready for your custom-made permanent restoration. If your temporary restoration becomes loose or damaged, don’t hesitate to contact our office—we’ll repair or recement it for you promptly.
Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort
It’s completely normal to experience some sensitivity to temperature or mild pressure after the procedure. This should improve once your final crown or bridge is placed. If needed, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can help alleviate any discomfort.
If your gums feel sore or sensitive around the temporary crown, rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of water) four times a day can provide relief.
However, if the pain worsens or becomes more than mild discomfort, please call us right away so we can ensure everything is healing properly.
We’re Here to Help
At Pershing Family Dental, we’re committed to supporting your dental health and comfort. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with your temporary crown or bridge, feel free to contact us. Your care doesn’t stop when you leave our office—we’re here for you!
Contact Us:
Pershing Family Dental
915.566.3927
3501 Pershing Dr.
El Paso, TX 79903
By following these post-op instructions, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth recovery and a beautiful, long-lasting restoration. We look forward to seeing you smile!