Healing After Your Procedure

It’s completely normal to experience some sensitivity or tenderness around the treated area following a crown, bridge, inlay, or onlay procedure. This discomfort typically fades within a couple of days but may vary depending on your body’s healing response and whether local anesthesia was used. Allow your mouth the time and care it needs to adjust and recover.

Depending on your treatment plan, your final restoration may be placed the same day as the tooth preparation or during a follow-up appointment. If you’re fitted with a temporary restoration, it’s important to take special care to protect it until the permanent one is placed.

Following the guidelines below will help reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support the long-term success of your dental restoration.

Instructions Following Tooth Preparation

• Sensitivity and Tenderness: Mild soreness of the tooth and surrounding gums is common for 1–2 days. If symptoms persist beyond this, contact our office.

• If You Received Anesthesia: Refrain from eating, chewing, or biting until the numbness completely wears off to avoid accidentally injuring your mouth.

• Final or Temporary Placement: The final crown, bridge, inlay, or onlay may be placed during your initial appointment or at a later visit with a temporary restoration in the meantime.

Caring for Temporary Restorations

• Food Caution: Stick to softer foods and avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or hard that could dislodge or damage the temporary.

• Brushing & Flossing: Brush gently and floss with care. When flossing, slide the floss out rather than lifting it to avoid loosening the temporary restoration.

• If Your Temporary Becomes Loose or Breaks: Contact our office right away so we can address the issue and protect the prepared tooth.

After Your Final Restoration is Placed

• Food Restrictions: Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 24 hours to allow the bonding cement to fully set.

• Sensitivity to Temperature: Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods may occur and usually subsides within a few weeks. If it continues beyond six weeks, please notify us.

Ongoing Care for Long-Term Success

• Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush after every meal or snack and floss daily—especially before bedtime—to keep your restoration and natural teeth healthy.

• Rinsing: Use water or an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any lingering particles missed during brushing and flossing.

Need Help? We're Here for You.

If you experience persistent pain, sensitivity, or have any questions or concerns about your treatment or restoration, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’re here to support your healing and long-term oral health.