Post Op Instructions for Crown and Bridges

When your crowns or bridges are completed they will be cemented onto your teeth. Crowns are usually cemented with permanent cement at the second visit. Bridges are usually cemented with temporary cement at first to see how they seat, feel, look esthetically and hold up to function. This is because they include more teeth and have more stress and are more complicated to fit.

After a short time (2 to 4 weeks) your bridge will be cemented with permanent cement. The new cements are longer lasting and protect the tooth better than the older cements. The restoration should have its own retention and the cement is just a sealer against micro leakage and to insulate the tooth from the temperature changes in the mouth that the crown may conduct to the tooth.

Understand that any tooth that has a crown or is part of a bridge can still decay. The area where the restoration ends at the gum line must be cared for by you and professionally. Your bite should feel comfortable, not high and food should not get trapped between the neighboring restorations.

If either of these occurs let the dentist know as soon as possible. Remember that your porcelain crowns are strong but whatever can fracture or chip a real tooth can do the same to your crown. In other words be careful and smart…eat popcorn, nuts and other hard foods slowly! These restorations will last many years with proper care.