Crowns
Post-Operative Care

You have just had a crown permanently cemented onto your tooth. This will replace your missing tooth structure and should provide you with years of service. Please observe the following suggestions to maximize the life of your crown.

Post Placement Care

1. Do not chew hard foods on the crown for 24 hours from the time it was cemented. The cement must mature for up to 24 hours to have optimum strength.
2. Do not chew ice or other hard objects. Also avoid very sticky foods such as “hard tack” candies and caramels because they can remove restorations.
3. It is normal for the tooth to be a bit sensitive to hot and cold for up to six weeks. If sensitivity lasts longer than six weeks, please call our office.
4. Should any of the following occur in the days following receipt of your permanent crown, please contact us immediately to avoid further problems.
   • Movement or looseness in the restoration
   • Sensitivity to sweet foods
   • A peculiar taste from the restoration site
   • Breakage of a piece of material from the restoration
   • Sensitivity to pressure

Brushing

1. Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes
2. Pay special attention to the area where the crown meets your natural tooth and/or gums. This area can trap bacteria and plaque which can lead to a cavity under your dental crown. Untreated cavities can cause the crown to fail.
3. Use of an electronic toothbrush is highly recommended. Electric brushes effectively remove plaque and bacteria and most have timers that assist in brushing for a full 2 minutes.

Flossing

1. Floss all of your teeth at least once a day.
2. Make sure that you insert your floss in between each tooth.
3. Wrap the floss around each tooth and move it up and down to loosen and remove food and bacteria.
4. Use a new section of floss for each tooth.
5. Floss fingers or other appliances available at the grocery store can help you reach your back teeth easily.
6. Water flossers, such as Waterpik, are useful to help keep the bottom area of the open space between your teeth clean.  You must still floss the contact where your dental crown and adjacent teeth meet.

Fluoride

1. Prescription strength fluoride can help prevent new cavities and reduce gum inflammation caused by bacteria.
2. We recommend toothpaste and rinses with fluoride to maintain healthy teeth and gums, reduce sensitivity and sooth discomfort.

Regular Visits

1. Please visit our office at least twice a year for professional cleanings, instruction and evaluations.
2. Often, small problems that are developing around the crown can be found at an early stage and corrected easily. Waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire crown. Failing to return for professional examinations is the most significant reason for restoration failure.

If you have any questions, please call our office.