CROWN AND BRIDGE INSERTION
A dental crown is a prosthesis placed on top of a tooth to ‘cap’ it after Root Canal Treatment or in cases of extensive damage to the tooth leading to a substantial loss in tooth structure. Crowns are placed in order to protect, cover and restore the shape of the tooth when regular dental filling/restorations don’t solve the problem.
A dental bridge is a prosthesis that can be used to replace missing teeth or cap more than one tooth in sequence.
At American Smiles, we recommend that our patients adhere to the following instructions after placement of Dental Crown and Bridge.
- Please do not eat or drink for 45 minutes after your new PFM or Zirconium dental crown is cemented.
- Do not eat hard or sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement completely sets.
- Your new PFM or Zirconium/All-Ceramic dental crown may feel tight or as if it is pushing against the teeth next to it for several hours. This will subside in a day or two.
- Dental sensitivity, especially to hot and cold, may be experienced after a crown is cemented. The sensitivity usually subsides within a week or ten days. You should make an adjustment appointment if the sensitivity persists or increases.
- The crown may feel slightly different or ‘foreign’ in the mouth at first in comparison to an original tooth. This difference may be magnified by the tongue as well. However, you will be accustomed to it in a few days.
- In order to maintain the dental crown and bridge well, please follow correct oral hygiene practice:
- 45 degree angle brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to avoid getting a cavity or gum disease around your new crown.
- Flossing is especially important in preserving the health of your crown or bridge.
- Avoid chewing on hard and chewy substances such as ice cubes, nuts, seeds, bone, toffee, chikki, etc. Discontinue deleterious habits, such as biting on pens, etc.
- Visit the dental office for periodic dental examinations as they are important in order to maintain the function and appearance of crowns and bridge. (every 3-6 months)
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our dental office.