We removed decay/cracks, shaped the tooth precisely, and captured a digital scan/impression. You left with either a temporary (provisional) restoration or your final crown/inlay/onlay. These restorations protect the tooth, restore strength and function, and seal against new decay.

Numbness lasts 2–6 hours. Avoid hot drinks and chewing on the numb side to prevent biting your lip/cheek/tongue.

As anesthesia wears off, the bite can feel different; see Bite feels “high” below.

Normal (first days): temperature sensitivity, tender chewing, mild gum soreness, slight bite awareness.

Call us if you have:

A “high” bite or sore tooth when you tap—quick bite adjustment fixes this and prevents lingering pain.

Hot/cold pain that lingers >10–15 seconds, spontaneous throbbing, night pain, or pain worsening after day 3 (the nerve may be inflamed; we’ll evaluate).

Crown feels loose, gap you can catch with floss, or food trapping that doesn’t resolve with cleaning.

Swelling, fever ≥100.4°F (38°C), or drainage. For trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 / go to the ER.

Pain control (only use what your provider approved)

• If you can take NSAIDs:Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as needed (with food). Max 2,400 mg/day.

• You may combine or alternate with Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Max 3,000 mg/day total acetaminophen.

• If you cannot take NSAIDs: use Acetaminophen alone (same limits).

• Start warm salt-water rinses after 24 hours, 3–4×/day, especially at the gumline.

If you received a temporary

• It’s fragile. Avoid sticky, hard, or very crunchy foods on that side.

• Brushing: okay tonight with a soft brush.

• Flossing: slide the floss out the side (don’t pop up) to avoid dislodging.

• If it comes off or breaks: keep the piece, call us. You may place it back with a tiny dab of toothpaste or OTC temporary cement as a short-term fix. Never superglue.

• Mild cold sensitivity or tender gums are common and improve as tissues settle.

After your final cementation/bonding

• The cement is set, but avoid very sticky/hard foods for 24 hours while it reaches full strength.

• Floss normally (gently) today; a little tugging at the margin is normal early on.

• Expect light gum soreness for 1–3 days where we worked—rinse with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) 3–4×/day.

If you clench or grind, a custom nightguard protects both natural teeth and new restorations from fractures and wear. Ask us if you notice morning jaw soreness or flattened edges.

• Brush 2×/day with fluoride toothpaste; floss daily (normal technique for finals; side-slide for temporaries).

• A water flosser is fine after 3–5 days if gums are tender—aim along the gumline, not under the temporary margin.

• Limit frequent sipping of sugary/acidic drinks. Decay at the margin is the #1 reason crowns fail.

Deep cavities/cracks: Occasionally the nerve can remain inflamed even with a perfect fit; if pain persists or escalates, root canal therapy may be recommended to save the tooth.

Crown lengthening or deep margins (if performed): Expect extra gum tenderness; follow any additional instructions we provided.

FAQ

▶ How long will my tooth be sore?

Mild tenderness or temperature sensitivity is common for 3–7 days (sometimes up to 2 weeks). If pain worsens after day 3, or throbs/spikes at night, call us.

▶ How long until the cement is fully set?

It’s secure when you leave, but it reaches full strength in ~24 hours. Avoid very sticky or hard foods on that tooth for a day.

▶ My bite feels “high.” What should I do?

Don’t wait—call for a quick 10-minute adjustment. A high spot can bruise the ligament and prolong sensitivity.

▶ What if my temporary comes off or breaks?

Keep the piece, call us. You can place it back with a tiny dab of toothpaste or OTC temporary cement as a short-term fix. Do not use superglue.

▶ Can I floss and brush tonight?

Yes. Brush gently.

• Temporary: floss, then slide the floss out the side (don’t pop up).

• Final: floss normally.

▶ Why is my tooth sensitive to cold after the crown?

The ligament and nerve were irritated from treatment and bite changes. This usually improves in days to weeks. Persistent lingering pain (>10–15 sec) or spontaneous ache needs an exam—rarely, a root canal may be recommended to save the tooth.

▶ Can I whiten my new crown/inlay/onlay?

Whitening changes natural tooth, not porcelain/zirconia/composites. If you’re whitening, do it before shade selection. After delivery, we can polish minor stains; shade changes require remake.

▶ My crown feels different from a natural tooth—is that normal?

Yes—new contours feel “new” for a few days. If food traps or edges feel sharp, call for a polish/adjust.

▶ How long should a crown last?

With great hygiene and a good bite, many last 7–15+ years. Most early failures are from decay at the margin—brush, floss, and limit frequent sugary/acidic sipping.

▶ Is a water flosser okay?

Yes—wait 3–5 days if gums are tender, then aim along the gumline (not under a temporary’s edge).

▶ Can I chew on it today?

After numbness wears off:

• Temporary: go soft and avoid sticky/crunchy on that side.

• Final: chew normally but avoid very sticky/hard foods for 24 hours.

▶ What if the crown feels loose?

Avoid chewing on it and call us promptly. A loose crown can let decay start quickly.

▶ Will I need a nightguard?

If you clench/grind, a custom nightguard protects your new restoration (and your other teeth) from fractures and wear.

▶ I see a gray line at the gum—what is it?

Some PFM crowns and certain margins can look slightly gray near the gum, especially if the tissue is thin. We’ll discuss cosmetic options if it shows when you smile.

▶ Can I travel/fly after today’s visit?

Yes. If you’re traveling with a temporary, bring temporary cement and our number just in case.

We’re here for you. If you’re unsure about anything—call us. If you ever experience trouble breathing, rapidly spreading swelling, or difficulty swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.

How to reach us

Prime Emergency Dental

(425) 864-7600