After Care Answers
Temporary Crowns or Bridges

You have just received a plastic temporary filling or crown that will serve you for a short period of time. A few comments about this temporary will be helpful to you.

Chewing

• The temporary cement requires about one-half hour to set. Please do not chew during that period of time.
• Temporaries are not strong. Avoid chewing hard foods and sticky candies and gum during this period. They may break or come off occasionally. If you are not where you can contact us, go to a pharmacy and purchase some FIXODENT. Replace the temporary on your tooth with some FIXODENT holding it in place. This denture adhesive will retain the temporary restoration until you can see us. If this is not possible, a thin paste of flour and water will work also . PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE TEMPORARY OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BECAUSE THE TEETH WILL MOVE AND THE FINAL RESTORATION MAY NOT FIT.
• Certain foods will stick to the temporary. This will not happen with the porcelain or gold restoration to be cemented soon.

Color
The color of the plastic temporary filling or crown does not resemble the final restoration in any way.

Shape and Size
The shape of the plastic temporary does not resemble the final restoration.

Tooth Sensitivity
Temporaries may leak saliva or food into the tooth. Sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet is not uncommon. If you experience sensitivity during the next few days, that would not be unusual. Warm salt water rinses (one tsp. of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water) several times a day will be helpful during this period. If the level of discomfort is such that you are having to take pain medication several times during the day, please give us a call.

Hygiene
When flossing either skip the temporary, or thread it carefully through to avoid dislodging the temporary. Definitely brush around the temporary so as minimize any irritation caused by plaque.