Crown After-Care

• Wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing to avoid biting your lip, cheek or tongue.
• Be careful with hot foods and drinks because a numb mouth may not accurately feel temperature.

• A temporary crown is held in place with weaker cement so it can be removed at your next appointment.
• Avoid sticky foods such as gum or caramel and very hard foods such as ice, hard candy or nuts. These can loosen or break the temporary.
• Chew on the other side when practical, especially if the temporary feels tender.
• Brush the area gently. When flossing beside the temporary crown, slide the floss out through the side rather than pulling it upward.
• If the temporary crown comes off, save it and contact us as soon as possible. Do not use household glue.

• Follow any eating instructions given at the appointment. Once the numbness is gone and the cement has set as directed, you can usually return to normal eating.
• Brush twice a day and floss around the crown daily. The crown cannot decay, but the tooth at its edge can still develop a cavity.
• Avoid using the crowned tooth to bite ice, open packages or chew other objects that could damage a natural tooth.

Your bite can be difficult to judge while your mouth is numb. Contact us after the numbness is gone if the crowned tooth touches before the other teeth or hurts when you bite. The crown may need a minor adjustment.