919-682-5327 Care of Implant Crown
Now that we have placed a provisional (temporary) implant crown, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure the success of your provisional and ultimately your implant.
Chewing and Eating
If you are still feeling the effects of the anesthetic, avoid all chewing until the numbness has worn off completely. This may take a few to several hours. Have a fruit smoothie or milkshake, where you can use a straw on your side that is not numb and just swallow and not have to chew.
To keep the provisional in place and pressure off of the implant, do NOT eat, chew or bite into food on the provisional. ONLY eat, chew and bite into food using the OPPOSITE side of your mouth, away from the provisional. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, especially chewing gum. It is best to cut your food into small pieces for easier chewing. Do NOT push on your provisional.
If you already have a night guard, wear it every night.
Brushing and Flossing
Healthy gums make it much easier to seat the final implant crown. Your oral surgeon or periodontist has likely prescribed a medicated mouth rinse. Use it as directed to reduce inflammation around the provisional and promote healing. Brush normally but very carefully. Please wait to floss until the stitches have come out, usually within the week. Gently glide the floss down between your natural tooth and the provisional and gently roll the floss under the provisional until nearly halfway and pull the floss straight out carefully. Repeat on the other side of the provisional.
Medication and Discomfort
You may experience some gum soreness. This is normal and may only last a day or two. Your oral surgeon or periodontist may give you a prescription for discomfort, or you can use three ibuprofen or two Extra Strength Tylenol pills; take all five pills every four hours. If any discomfort increases or persists beyond a few days, please call us. Take antibiotics and other medication only as directed.
When to Call Us:
- If your bite feels uneven.
- If you have sensitivity or discomfort that increases or continues beyond three or four days.
- If you have any other questions or concerns. Thank you for your trust in our office.
Care of Crown or Bridge
Now that we have placed a temporary (or provisional) crown or bridge, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure the success of your final restoration.
Chewing and Eating
If we used an anesthetic during the procedure, avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off completely. This may take a few to several hours.
Avoid chewing for at least 30 minutes to allow the temporary cement to set.
To keep the provisional in place, avoid eating hard or sticky foods, especially chewing gum. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
Brushing and Flossing
Brush normally but floss very carefully. Press the floss down slowly and do not pull it up. Once the floss is between the teeth, pull it straight out from the side so the provisional is not dislodged. If you have a bridge provisional, you will need floss threaders to get the floss under your provisional and pull it straight through. In some cases, we may advise you to avoid flossing around the provisional.
If your teeth are sensitive to heat, cold or pressure, use a desensitizing toothpaste. If sensitivity increases or persists beyond a few days, call us.
Medication and Discomfort
It is normal for your gums to be sore for several days. Take antibiotics and other medications only as directed. To reduce any discomfort or swelling, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm saltwater. Use one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water.
When to Call Us
- If your provisional comes off. Save the provisional so that it can be re-cemented. It is very important for the proper fit of your final crown or bridge that the provisional stays in place.
- If your bite feels uneven.
- If you have sensitivity or discomfort that increases or continues beyond three or four days.
- If you have any questions or concerns.
If you have any questions about your temporary restorations, please call 919-682-5327 to reach our dental office in Durham, North Carolina, and ask our dentist, Dr. Alex Fleming, about proper care today.
