Undergoing a dental restoration procedure is a significant step toward reclaiming the full function and appearance of your smile. Now that your tooth has been prepared and a temporary restoration placed, the recovery phase begins. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure comfort, protect your temporary crown or bridge, and set the stage for a successful final result.
At East El Paso Dentist on John Hayes St., we want your recovery to be as smooth as possible. This guide covers everything you need to know about navigating the days following your appointment, from managing numbness to choosing the right foods.
Understanding the Role of Your Temporary Restoration
Before you leave our office, we place a temporary crown or bridge over your prepared tooth. This isn’t just a placeholder; it serves several critical functions while your custom, permanent restoration is being crafted in the lab.
First, it acts as a protective shield for the tooth structure that has been shaped, preventing sensitivity and damage. Second, it maintains the precise spacing of your teeth. Without this temporary piece, adjacent teeth could shift into the gap, which might cause your final crown to fit poorly or not at all.
Because it is temporary, it is made from a less durable material than your final restoration and is attached with temporary cement. This makes it easier for us to remove when your permanent crown is ready, but it also means you need to treat it with extra care.
Immediate Post-Op Instructions: Managing Numbness
When you leave our office, it is likely that your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth will still be numb from the local anesthetic. This loss of sensation can last for a few hours.
During this time, it is crucial to avoid eating solid foods or drinking hot beverages. Without feeling in these areas, it is very easy to accidentally bite your cheek, tongue, or lip, or to burn the roof of your mouth without realizing it until the anesthesia wears off. We recommend waiting until all numbness has completely subsided before attempting to eat a full meal.
Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort
Once the anesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some sensitivity. Your tooth has undergone a procedure, and the gum tissue around it may be slightly irritated. You might notice sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, as well as pressure when biting down.
This sensitivity typically subsides within a few weeks after the placement of your final restoration. To manage any discomfort in the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed.
If your gums around the temporary crown feel tender or inflamed, a warm saltwater rinse can be very soothing. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of warm water and gently rinse your mouth four times a day. This simple remedy helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing in the gum tissue.
Dietary Guidelines: What to Eat and Avoid
Your diet plays a huge role in keeping your temporary restoration intact. For the first 24 hours after your appointment, stick to soft foods. This allows the temporary cement to set properly.
Recommended Soft Foods:
- Jell-O or pudding
- Applesauce
- Greek yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Cooled soups
- Macaroni and cheese
- Ice cream or smoothies (avoid using a straw if you had an extraction)
- Finely chopped chicken or ground beef
Foods to Avoid:
To prevent your temporary from breaking or pulling loose, you must avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods for the duration of wearing the temporary. Stay away from:
- Chewing gum
- Caramel or sticky candies
- Nuts and popcorn
- Hard breads or pretzels
- Ice
If you have a temporary crown on a front tooth, avoid biting directly into foods like apples, corn on the cob, or sandwiches. Instead, cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces and chew carefully with your back teeth.
Oral Hygiene: Brushing and Flossing
Keeping your mouth clean is vital for healing, but you must adjust your technique slightly around the temporary restoration. Continue to brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the gum line of the treated tooth.
Flossing requires special attention. You should floss daily, but do not pull the floss up or down between the teeth as you normally would. The upward motion can catch the edge of the temporary crown and pop it off. Instead, carefully slide the floss in between the teeth, clean the area, and then pull the floss out to the side to remove it.
What to Do If Your Temporary Comes Off
Despite your best efforts, a temporary crown or bridge may occasionally come loose or fall off. If this happens, do not panic, but do not ignore it either. Your temporary is protecting the underlying tooth structure and holding the space for your permanent crown.
Please contact our office immediately if your temporary becomes loose, breaks, or falls out. We will schedule a time to recement or repair it. Do not try to glue it back in yourself with household glues, as this can damage the tooth and complicate the final placement.
When to Call the Dentist
While mild sensitivity is normal, you should monitor your symptoms. If your pain gets progressively worse, keeps you up at night, or is causing more than mild discomfort that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter medication, please contact us.
At East El Paso Dentist, we are committed to your comfort and health. If you have any questions about your recovery or need to schedule a follow-up, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Visit Us at Our New Location:
2720 John Hayes, Suite 505
El Paso, TX 79938
Call or Text Us:
(915) 201-5530
We look forward to seeing you for the placement of your permanent restoration and revealing your renewed smile!