Crowns and Bridges

Today you have had your crown or bridge placed in your mouth. When the tooth, or teeth, are placed we checked your bite and the fit. There is a "break-in" period you need to experience. The length of this period varies from person to person. Please be aware of the following;
         
Chewing: Please do not chew hard foods on the crowns or bridge for 24 hours from the time they were placed. The cement must mature and harden for about the 24 hours to have optimum strength.

Regularly scheduled visits (cleanings):   The tooth is no more safe from decay and gum disease than a tooth that is natural, without a crown.   You must keep up with your home care, brushing and flossing. Therefore, you must keep up with your recall appointments and have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Preventive Procedures: To enhance the longevity of your "new" teeth you will need to follow some simple instructions. We need to guard against decay and gum problems.

It is very important to brush and floss after eating and prior to bedtime. An over-the-counter fluoride rinse will lessen the chance of decay attacking the tooth below the edge of the crown, by the gum line. You can use either: Fluorigard by Colgate, ACT by Johnson & Johnson, or Listermint with fluoride. The best time is immediately before bedtime. You can use a waterpik, keep it on a gentle setting. Use the other aids we have given you for your specific situation. These can include a floss threader or a proxabrush.

Sensitivity: It is considered normal to have some sensitivity to temperature changes when eating. This will disappear over time. If the sensitivity lingers call the office to let us know.

Aggressive Chewing: Please respect your "new" teeth. The better you treat it the better it will treat you. Hard foods can chip the porcelain just the same as it can chip enamel of your natural tooth. Avoid chewing very sticky foods because it can remove the teeth.

Steven H. Feit, D.M.D., P.A.
240 West Plmetto Park Road
Suite 220
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Phone: (561) 338-7535
Fax:      (561) 368-2981
feit@stevenfeit.com