Once a patient receives a temporary crown, he or she is urged to follow the instructions of their Houston cosmetic dentist so as to ensure the maximum success of the tooth restoration.  Some of these instructions are as follows:

         The patient should avoid hot drinks while the mouth is still numb because this may burn the skin. 

         For the next few days after receiving a temporary bridge, the patient should take a mild analgesic under the supervision of his or her Houston cosmetic dentist.

         It helps reduce swelling in the mouth if the patient rinses out his or her mouth with warm salt water.  One tablespoon of salt should be mixed with 8 ounces of water.

         The patient should keep the area around the temporary bridge clean.  This maintains compatibility between the temporary crown and surrounding mouth tissues.

         The patient should rinse his or her mouth once or twice daily with an antibacterial, alcohol free mouthwash like Breath Rx

         The patient should not eat anything with curry because it may turn the temporary bridge yellow or orange. 

         The patient should try not to smoke because this can stain the temporary.

Chewing

To begin with, the individual should avoid chewing for hour after receiving the temporary.  This gives the cement time to set in place.  After this, the patient should be cautious about when and what he or she chews.  The individual should chew on the side of the mouth opposite the bridge as much as possible.

Until the anesthetic completely wears off, there remains a risk of the individual biting into a lip or a cheek.  Individuals are encouraged to eat only soft foods until all numbness completely subsides.  Hard candy, sticky foods, and chewing gum should be avoided. 

Brushing and flossing

The patient should brush as normal, but be very careful when he or she flosses.  Both the teeth and the temporary bridge (along with the surrounding area) should be brushed at least twice daily.  If the patient receives special brushes and flosses, from the dentist, these should be used as directed for as long as directed.

If teeth hurt or feel sensitive to temperature, the patient should use desensitizing toothpaste.  If sensitivity persists, the dentist should be notified.

Medication and Discomfort

Prescribed medication should be taken as prescribed, and over-the-counter medications should be cleared by the dentist.

When to Call Us

If the bridge becomes loose, the patient SHOULD NOT attempt to put it back on their own.  It is essential that it be refitted by a professional in order to ensure the proper fit of the final bridge.

In the event this happens, the patient should contact the dentist immediately and schedule a priority appointment.   The dentist must also be notified if the bite feels uneven, or if severe pain, sensitivity, or persistent discomfort persists.

Patients should not be alarmed by altered speech is affected for the first few.  This is normal, and it will go away once the mouth adapts to the temporary.  Increased salivation after fitting is also normal.  This is because the brain is getting used to the size and shape of the temporary bridge.  Normal rates of salivation almost always return in approximately one week.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont, Midland and Houston, Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic dentistry services.