Aftercare Guidelines for Crown, Bridge, Inlay, and Onlay Restorations

After Your Tooth Is Prepared

• It is normal for the treated tooth and the gum tissue around it to feel sore or sensitive during the first one to two days following preparation for a restoration. Please reach out to our office if this discomfort continues beyond that window.
• When local anesthesia has been administered, wait until all numbness has fully resolved before biting down, chewing, or eating anything.
• Depending on your treatment plan, the permanent restoration might be seated on the same visit as the tooth preparation, or it might require a follow-up appointment.

Caring for a Temporary Restoration

• Stick to softer foods for the time being, and steer clear of anything especially crunchy, chewy, or hard.
• Keep the area around the restoration clean by brushing and flossing every day. Floss gently so the temporary piece does not come loose, and slide the floss out sideways from one end rather than pulling it straight up, which reduces pressure on the temporary.
• Should the temporary restoration loosen or crack, contact our office right away.

Once Your Permanent Restoration Is Placed

• Hold off on chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours so the bonding cement has adequate time to set completely.
• A mild reaction to hot or cold temperatures is a normal part of healing and typically fades within a few weeks. If it persists beyond six weeks, let us know.

Maintaining Your Restoration Long Term

• Keeping your restoration in good condition means brushing after each meal and snack, and flossing at least once daily, ideally before bed.
• A rinse with water or mouthwash afterward can catch any remaining food particles that brushing and flossing may have missed.

If you experience pain or have any questions about your treatment, do not hesitate to call our office.