Temporary Crowns or Bridges

Proper Care of Temporary Crowns and Temporary Dental Bridges

Here are a few simple rules to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable as your final restoration is being custom fabricated by our laboratory.

Discomfort:

After the tooth/teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some minor sensitivity. Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well. Your gums may be irritated! We highly recommend rinsing with warm salt water or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three times per day. This is an excellent method for soothing sore gums. We may recommend gentle digital message, as well! The jaw joints may be sensitive, as well. This can easily be soothed with the application of warm compresses on the jaw joint. We suggest a heating pad that can be moistened. Place the moist heat on the jaw joint areas – open and close the mouth slightly during this application. The heat should be applied at 10 to 15 minute intervals with 15 minutes of rest between placements.

Medication:

We may prescribe medication to control discomfort. Please use only as directed. If this medication does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage; or mix with other pain medications. Call us! Medications work differently on each individual. It is common to change medications; and a new formulation may work very well. If the discomfort is prolonged; there is swelling, excessive bleeding or fever – again call us.

What To Do If Your Temporary Crown or Bridge Comes Loose

If your temporary crown or dental bridge comes loose, do not be alarmed. Call our West Nyack dental office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth don’t drift – making placement of your final restoration very difficult. Please do not attempt to place restoration back into place with anything other than vaseline. Superglue, for example, is not healthy in the oral environment.

Cleaning:

Proper care of your temporary crown or bridge is a must! Brush with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth – flexing the soft bristles at the gum line of the interim restoration. We also would like you to use dental floss. However, place the floss gently between the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss through space, toward the cheek.

Congratulations!

You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art restorative dentistry available today. We are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide this service for you.

If you are having trouble with a temporary crown or dental bridge and you live in the West Nyack, NY area, call our dental office. We offer gentle care and we have an experienced dental team ready take good care of you. Call us at (845) 262-2265 or email us today.