Caring for Your Temporary Crown or Filling

Here are a few simple rules to promote healing, prevent complications and make yourself more comfortable after your restoration is placed.

Discomfort

After the tooth has been prepared, you may experience some minor tooth sensitivity or discomfort. You can help reduce this by taking 1 to 2 ADVIL or ALEVE every four to six hours, if there are no contraindications. Also, rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution 4 to 6 times a day (1/2 teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm tap water). This will help reduce gum soreness, if it exists.

In preparing teeth for a restoration that you require, when crowns or bridges are involved, there is always the possibility that root canal treatment may be required for any tooth. Most often, teeth are crowned because a tooth has fractured / broken or a missing tooth next to it needs to be supported. The most frequent reason we crown teeth is because deep decay needs to be removed or a large old filling has to be replaced. Consequently there is always the possibility the tooth nerve may become sensitive enough to require root canal treatment. Although we do not anticipate that this will be necessary, that potential does exist.

Medication

We may prescribe medication to control pain and prevent infection. Use it only as directed. If the medication prescribed does not seem to work for you, do not increase dosage. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call our office immediately, and we will give you exact instructions on how to care for your problem.

Cleaning

We encourage you to brush and floss around your new temporary bridge, crown or filling. When brushing, be extra gentle in that area. When flossing, floss as usual but, on removal of the string, pull it through the space instead of popping it through the contact between the adjoining tooth and the temporary. If you feel there me by some cement lodged in or around the gum tissue OR the tissue around the tooth is still sensitive after 4 days or more please call our office.

Dislodgement of the Temporary Crown of Filling

Temporary fillings and crowns occasionally become loose. If it becomes dislodged, don’t be alarmed. Retain the temporary in a safe place and at your convenience call our office for a short appointment, to have it replaced.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office in NY at 212-517-3365, in CT at 203-344-9523.

Caring for Your Temporary Crown or Filling