After Crown or Bridge Placement

After Temporary Crown or Bridge

If you are wearing a temporary crown or bridge while your permanent one is being made, extra care is needed as temporaries are not as strong.

• •Avoid sticky or chewy foods (gum, toffee, caramel) on the temporary — they can pull it off.
• •Avoid hard foods on the temporary side — chew on the opposite side when possible.
• •Brush gently around the temporary crown. Floss carefully — pull the floss out sideways rather than snapping it up, which can dislodge the temporary.
• •If the temporary comes off, save it and contact us immediately — do not try to glue it back yourself.

After Permanent Crown or Bridge Placement

Your permanent crown or bridge is cemented in place and designed to function like your natural teeth.

• •Wait for numbness to wear off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
• •Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for a few days to a couple of weeks.
• •Your bite may feel slightly different at first — this usually settles within a day or two.
• •If your bite still feels uneven or high after 2-3 days, contact us for a quick adjustment.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

• •Brush twice daily and pay special attention to the gumline around the crown.
• •Floss daily around crowns. For bridges, use a floss threader or super floss to clean under the false tooth (pontic).
• •Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects that can crack the crown.
• •Do not use your teeth as tools — do not open bottles, tear packaging, or bite nails.
• •Visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure the crown margins remain sealed and healthy.

When to Contact Us

• •Crown or bridge feels loose or moves when you chew.
• •Persistent pain or sensitivity that worsens over time rather than improving.
• •A chip or crack in the crown — even small damage should be evaluated.
• •Gum recession around the crown exposing a dark line at the base.
• •Food constantly getting stuck between the crown and adjacent teeth.