Home Care after Treatment

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods (nuts), or chewy foods (bagels) on the treated tooth or teeth.

It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary.  When removing the floss pull it straight out through the side of the tooth toward the cheek or gum.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at Kraja + Sidhu + Liebeskind (emeritus) DDS Phone Number 301-495-9222 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.  Do not attempt to place the dislodged temporary back in your mouth.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold or chewing sensitivity in the first day or two after treatment.  Ibuprofen (Advil) or Tylenol can be taken for sensitivity as needed and warm salt water rinses can be used liberally to soothe the gum area and injection site  (1/2 tsp. salt mixed in 8 ounces of warm water). 

If your bite feels uneven, if you have continued sensitivity, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Kraja + Sidhu + Liebeskind (emeritus) DDS Phone Number 301-495-9222.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold or chewing sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Advil) or Tylenol can be taken as needed and work well to alleviate the tenderness.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have continued sensitivity, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Kraja + Sidhu + Liebeskind (emeritus) DDS Phone Number 301-495-9222.