Restoring damaged teeth with crowns, bridges or veneers is essential for maintaining oral health and aesthetics. Following proper post-operative care ensures the success and longevity of your dental restoration. Please follow all instructions provided by Dr. Annissa Michael to maximize the benefits of your treatment and continue to enjoy your renewed smile.

Preparation Process:

Before the placement of crowns, bridges or veneers, damaged tooth structures are removed to accommodate the new restoration materials. Accurate molds are taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication. A second appointment is necessary for the permanent cementation of the restoration.

First Appointment:

  • Crown Preparation: Following the initial appointment, temporary crowns or veneers are placed and cemented onto the prepared teeth. Temporary cement washes out rapidly, potentially causing sensitivity to hot and cold. If you experience spontaneous or lingering pain, contact us immediately.
  • Oral Care: Brush the area gently and use caution while flossing. Avoid upward flossing motions to prevent dislodging the temporary restoration. If a temporary crown becomes loose or falls out, clean it and apply Vaseline before contacting our office for assistance.

Second Appointment:

  • Final Cementation: After the permanent restoration is cemented, refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Avoid hard or sticky foods for 24 hours to allow the cement to set fully.
  • Discomfort: You may experience tightness or discomfort around the new restoration initially, which typically subsides within a day or two.
  • Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is common after cementation and usually diminishes within a week. Persistent sensitivity may indicate the need for further evaluation.
  • Adjustment: The finished restoration may have slight differences in contour and texture compared to your natural teeth, but you will adjust to these changes over time.

After Receiving Your Crowns, Bridge or Veneers

  • The cement used in your treatment hardens quickly, so you can resume normal eating as soon as numbness subsides.
  • It is common to experience minor discomfort in the days following your treatment, but this should gradually diminish over time.
  • If you received anesthesia, it should wear off within a few hours. Be cautious not to accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Refrain from consuming extremely hot or cold foods and beverages until the anesthesia has fully dissipated.
  • Your bite should feel normal once the anesthesia wears off. If it feels off, it requires adjustment. Please contact us immediately to schedule a brief appointment. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure persists beyond one week, please call our office for further evaluation.
  • Avoid chewing extremely hard or crunchy foods with your new restoration, such as ice or hard candy. Also, refrain from biting down on objects that could damage your teeth, like fingernails or pens. Anything harmful to your natural teeth poses a risk to your restoration as well.
  • We recommend professional maintenance and evaluation at least twice a year, unless otherwise advised by Dr. Michael and her team. If you have a history of periodontal (gum) disease, you may need to visit us up to four times a year.
  • Proper care involves brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash at least twice daily. By adhering to proper maintenance, you not only extend the life of your restoration but also prevent potential issues elsewhere in your mouth.

Oral Hygiene:

  • Maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing at a 45-degree angle twice daily and flossing once a day, to prevent cavities and gum disease around the restoration.
  • Flossing is especially crucial for the health of crowns, bridges or veneers.
  • A well-fabricated restoration should function comfortably, akin to a natural tooth.

Nighttime Appliance:

  • Use a nighttime appliance, particularly after implant restorations, to prevent excessive force on the restoration interface, which could lead to fractures.

Following these post-operative instructions diligently will promote the longevity and success of your dental crowns, bridges or veneers. If you have any concerns or experience persistent discomfort, do not hesitate to contact Boulder Valley Dental Center at 303-666-8820 to speak with our team and make an appointment with our dentist in Louisville, Colorado, for assistance.