Patient Care Instructions for Onlays, Crowns, Bridges and Veneers

TEMPORARY ONLAYS, CROWNS, BRIDGES AND VENEERS

Your tooth or teeth have been prepared for onlay, crown, bridge or veneer restoration. While we are waiting for the permanent restoration to arrive from the laboratory, a temporary restoration has been placed to help cover your tooth and protect it from sensitivity. The temporary restoration also helps to keep teeth from drifting or changing position in your mouth. The temporary restoration may feel rough to your tongue and does not look as nice as the permanent restoration will. Occasionally, the bite feels off after full sensation returns. If your bite feels uneven of if you have persistent pain, an adjustment may be needed. Please call our office for an appointment to adjust your bite.

The day of the procedure - be careful eating.

When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It is recommended that you take 2 tablets (400mg) of ibuprofen before the anesthesia completely wears off. This will help with any swelling or pain. It will also help diminish any swelling in the nerve that may exist. Do not take ibuprofen on an empty stomach. Do not eat anything sticky, hard or chewy, as this may pull the temporary off or break it. Avoid foods that stain, such as tea, coffee, red wines and berries. Smoking will quickly yellow your temporaries.

It is normal to experience some sensitivity after the appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold , and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Your gums may be sore for several days. Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water to reduce pain and swelling. (Patients with hypertension should avoid rinsing with salt water; a substitute of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water can be used.) Be careful brushing and avoid flossing adjacent to the temporary restoration. Once permanent restoration in placed, you may brush and floss normally.


PERMANENT CROWNS, BRIDGES AND VENEERS

Be sure to check your bite.

Occasionally, the bite feels off after full sensation returns. If your bite feels uneven of if you have persistent pain, an adjustment may be needed. Please call our office for an appointment to adjust your bite.

It is important to change habits to protect your new teeth.

Any food that could chip, crack or damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new cosmetic restorations. Avoid sticky candy or any unusually hard foods such as peanut brittle or ice. if you grind or clench your teeth at night, or engage in sports, we recommend you wear a custom mouth guard.

Special note: Please be aware that a small percentage of teeth requiring treatment may require root canal therapy in the future