A temporary crown protects your tooth while your permanent crown is being made. It is not as strong as the final crown, so proper caution and care is very important. Be gentle when eating and eat on the opposite side of your mouth when possible. Choose softer foods (oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, pasta, soup) and/or cut food into smaller pieces.

Avoid eating sticky or chewy foods. Avoid gum, caramel, taffy, gummies, gooey cheeses, and sticky candy. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, nuts, hard candy, popcorn kernels, baguettes, bagels, or crusty bread.

You may notice slight thermal or cold sensitivity around a temporary crown when having temperature foods (hot coffee, cold ice cream, etc) and this thermal sensitivity often resolves over time and/or with the final crown, as the final cements have a better seal around the tooth than the temporary crowns/cements.

Brush twice daily using a soft toothbrush/electric toothbrush to clean gently around the temporary crown. Continue to floss daily, but slide the floss out to the side, not straight up, to avoid pulling the crown off. You can still use your waterpik/waterflosser! Just be gentle.

Yes, expect mild sensitivity. Sensitivity to cold, hot, or pressure after crown preparation can be normal and usually temporary, resolving same week or for a 2-4 week monitoring period. However, if the discomfort worsens, lingers, or becomes severe, please contact our office. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken as directed (unless contraindicated).

Call us if the temporary crown feels loose, breaks, or comes off. Keep the crown if it comes off and bring it with you. In the meanwhile, avoid chewing on that side. If instructed, you may temporarily place it back using toothpaste, vaseline, or temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies). Do not use super glue.

Today, your dental crown was permanently cemented. While the cement sets same-day, please avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental biting of your cheek, tongue, or lip. Once numbness subsides, begin with soft foods and chew on the opposite side if possible for the remainder of the day.

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods (gum, caramels, ice, hard candy) for the first 24 hours. Resume normal eating habits gradually. Do not chew ice or use the crown to open or tear objects.

Continue brushing and flossing normally. You may now floss gently around the crown and can go straight up and down—no more pulling out the floss to the side like the temporary crowns! Continue to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent decay at the crown margins.

Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and should improve within a few days to weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may be taken as needed unless otherwise directed. Contact our office if sensitivity worsens or persists beyond two weeks, so that we may assess the bite and the nerve of the tooth.

Your bite should feel comfortable, even, and repeatable. If you notice high spots, discomfort when biting, or pressure, please call our office promptly for a quick adjustment. Do not ignore bite discomfort—we are happy to complete post-op bite adjustments as an included courtesy with the procedure.

Today, your implant-supported crown was permanently placed and secured. Dental implants function like natural teeth but require special care to ensure long-term success. Avoid eating until all numbness has worn off. Begin with soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the implant crown for the rest of the day.

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods (gum, caramels, ice, hard candy) for the first 24 hours. Resume normal eating habits gradually as you adjust to your new and improved bite. Do not chew ice or overly crunchy foods on the implant crown.

Yes. Dental implants can develop gum disease similar to natural teeth. This is known as peri-implant mucositis (a reversible inflammation) or peri-implantitis (a more severe condition involving bone loss). Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular professional maintenance appointments are essential for the long-term health of your implant.

Brush gently but thoroughly twice daily. Floss carefully around the implant using regular floss, floss threaders, or implant-specific floss. Water flossers are also highly recommended. Remember, dental implants are not shaped like natural teeth and can create small spaces where food traps easily. Flossing is essential to prevent inflammation.

Implant crowns typically do not have temperature sensitivity like natural teeth because there is no nerve inside the implant. Mild soreness in the surrounding gum tissue is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.

Your bite should feel comfortable and balanced. If the implant crown feels high, contact our office promptly. Do not ignore bite discomfort, as implants do not have the same "cushioning" ligaments as natural teeth. We complete post-op bite adjustments as an included courtesy.

Mild sensitivity or soreness around the tooth is normal for a few days, especially to pressure, hot, or cold.

You may eat as soon as the numbness wears off.

Yes—avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods (ice, hard candy, gum, caramel) for 24 hours to protect the filling.

Yes—temporary sensitivity to temperature or biting is common and should improve within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Use a sensitivity toothpaste, avoid extreme temperatures, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.

Yes—continue normal brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the filled tooth for the first day.

Call us; your bite may need a simple adjustment if the tooth feels high or uncomfortable when chewing.

If you have persistent pain, sensitivity lasting more than 2 weeks, swelling, or discomfort when biting that doesn't improve.

Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for 24-48 hours (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, dark sauces, tobacco, colored mouthwash). Stick to a "white diet" for at least one day and rinse with water after meals if unsure.

Yes—temporary sensitivity or mild "zings" for 1-2 days is normal.

Use a sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne), avoid very hot or cold foods, and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.

Yes—brush and floss as usual, but avoid colored mouth rinses for 24 hours.

You may start 3-5 days after your in-office treatment once sensitivity has subsided.

Up to 4 sessions per day for 5 consecutive days initially, then 1-2 touch-up days per month to maintain brightness.

Limit stain-causing foods and drinks—results vary, but habits matter.

If you have gum irritation, sensitivity lasting more than 3 days, or white patches that don't resolve within 48 hours.

A night guard helps protect your teeth from grinding or clenching, reduces jaw strain, and can prevent tooth wear, fractures, and headaches.

Wear it every night while you sleep, or as directed by your dentist.

Some mild tightness, extra saliva, or soreness is normal for the first few nights and usually resolves as you adjust.

Rinse it with cool water after use and gently brush it with a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid hot water.

Place one tablet in warm (not hot) water, put your night guard in the solution, and let it soak for 5-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before wearing or storing.

Let it air dry and store it in its protective case when not in use.

Avoid chewing on the night guard, exposing it to heat, or using harsh cleaners or mouthwash.

With proper care, it can last several years. Bring it to your dental visits so we can check the fit and wear.

If the night guard feels painful, no longer fits properly, causes jaw pain, or shows cracks or excessive wear.