Your anesthesia will wear off in approximately 1 to 3 hours after the procedure. It is very important not to chew on the numb side (to prevent biting tongue, lip, etc.) until the anesthesia wears off.

Your tooth (or teeth) may be sensitive to hot, cold or pressure after this procedure. Your gum tissue may also be tender. This is COMPLETELY normal. The more invasive the procedure, the more sensitivity you may experience. The possible symptoms of hot, cold or pressure will cease within a few days to a couple of weeks. In a very few instances, this sensitivity could last longer than a couple of weeks. As long as your teeth or gums are continuing to feel better (not staying the same, or getting worse) everything is fine. There is no need for concern.

We have prescribed ibuprofen (Motrin). This IS NOT for pain. Ibuprofen is to reduce the inflammation in the area worked on, and will further eliminate hot, cold and pressure sensitivity if taken as directed. If you are allergic to or cannot tolerate ibuprofen, (Motrin, Advil, etc) please advise us. If discomfort continues for more than a couple of weeks, please call our office at 804-288-0102.

Temporary Crown/Bridge

It is extremely important for the temporary crown/bridge to remain on the tooth until we seat your permanent crown. If your temporary crown becomes loose or comes off at any time, please call the office immediately. Your tooth can shift within a few hours if your temporary is missing, which can inhibit the placement of your permanent crown. You may also experience sensitivity if your temporary comes off.

Please note: With your temporary, avoid hard and chewy foods (such as ice, hard candy, gum, taffy). These are known to pull temporaries off the prepared tooth.

If your temporary comes off or becomes loose, please gently replace your temporary back onto your prepared tooth and call the office (you cannot put your temporary back on incorrectly because it will only fit one way).

It is important to floss your temporary. However, instead of pulling the floss back up through the teeth, release one end of the floss and pull it through the side of the tooth.

Once the anesthesia has worn off and you feel as though any of the teeth we worked on are hitting first, please give the office a call immediately. This imbalance with your bite may cause further discomfort and should be adjusted.

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