CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Crowns and bridges are completed in a series of appointments (generally two). At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared for the crown and an impression is taken of the prepared tooth. The impression process is a very important step in obtaining a good fit of the permanent crown, so the dentist may take more than one to make sure that it is accurate. The impression is then submitted to a dental lab, where the crown is fabricated. The fabrication process usually takes about two weeks and, in the meantime, a temporary crown is worn.
Temporary crowns can come off or break relatively easily, so it is important to not eat anything very sticky or hard in the area. Also, be careful flossing around the crown. It is best to floss through the contact, but then pull it out the side instead of popping it back out. If your temporary crown does come off, you may put it back on with temporary cement (like Fixodent, available at drug stores) or call our office.
If anesthesia is used during crown or bridge preparation or placement, your lips, tongue, and cheeks may be numb for several hours following the procedure. Avoid drinking anything hot or chewing until your tissues “wake up” to avoid tissue injury.
Some sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal following crown or bridge preparation and placement, and you may experience some soreness at the injection site. You may take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help alleviate any symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or if your bite feels off, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Temporary crowns can come off or break relatively easily, so it is important to not eat anything very sticky or hard in the area. Also, be careful flossing around the crown. It is best to floss through the contact, but then pull it out the side instead of popping it back out. If your temporary crown does come off, you may put it back on with temporary cement (like Fixodent, available at drug stores) or call our office.
If anesthesia is used during crown or bridge preparation or placement, your lips, tongue, and cheeks may be numb for several hours following the procedure. Avoid drinking anything hot or chewing until your tissues “wake up” to avoid tissue injury.
Some sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal following crown or bridge preparation and placement, and you may experience some soreness at the injection site. You may take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help alleviate any symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or if your bite feels off, please do not hesitate to contact our office.