You will be numb for several hours following your appointment. During this time, you can eat and drink, however be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue. Occasionally post operative discomfort may happen in what feels like your lower jaw muscles. You may experience tenderness and limited opening (trismus) This is a result of the intramuscular needle injection of the anesthetic. It can occur 2-5 days after your procedure. Advil and hot compresses can aid in this discomfort.

A certain amount of work was done close to and even below the gumline. This is common practice for shaping the tooth to allow for proper mechanical retention of the crown. This may have injured the gums. It is important that you brush the site firmly while things are healing. The gums will be tender and sensitive with brushing, naturally people will tend to avoid brushing because of the discomfort. Your gums will heal quicker if brushing habits are sufficient. Lack of brushing will result in red and inflamed and bleeding gums. This gum pain will cause tooth pain. It’s important not to avoid brushing the site.

A tin temporary crown has been custom fit and placed to protect the prepared tooth and to maintain space. Please avoid heavy chewing and refrain from foods that are sticky, chewy or crunchy; as these things will dislodge the temporary crown. It is important to call the office if your temporary crown has come off. If the crown does come off and stays off your new crown may not fit properly. This may result in an additional appointment to have the tooth re-prepped and re-impressed (requiring dental freezing)