• IF POSSIBLE, DO NOT EAT UNTIL THE ANESTHETIC HAS WORN OFF to avoid accidentally biting lips, cheek or tongue.
  • DO NOT EAT ANYTHING STICKY, CHEWY OR HARD as this may pull off or break your temporary restoration. These temporary restorations are not just cosmetic; they serve as placeholders for your permanent restoration to protect your tooth from damage, help promote gum tissue healing and prevent shifting of your tooth or the teeth around it. So if your temporary restoration breaks or comes off prior to your next appointment, please give our office a call so that we can advise you on how to proceed or if you will need to come in. *If you have temporary restoration on your front tooth/teeth, it is very important that you not bite directly into any foods with your front teeth and instead cut up your food and chew with your back teeth.
  • BE CAREFUL WHEN BRUSHING AND DO NOT FLOSS AROUND TEMPORARY. Gently manually brush the temporary restoration. If you use an electric toothbrush, turn off the brush and manually brush the temporary restoration. Do not floss the restoration is possible as this can dislodge the temporary. Also, if you use a Waterpik or other water flossing device, do not use around the temporary restoration.
  • YOUR TOOTH/TEETH MAY FEEL SENSITIVE BUT THIS IS NORMAL and should subside over the next few days. If the pain is severe or you are unable to bite on the tooth after 3-4 days, please call our office as your tooth and temporary may need further evaluation.
  • RINSE WITH WARM SALT WATER TO REDUCE GUM TISSUE SORENESS. It is normal for your gum tissue around the restoration to be slightly swollen or sore following this procedure. Use 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water and gently rinse and repeat this action 3-4 times per day for the first 1-3 days as needed. If a prescription rinse is prescribed to you instead, please use as directed.
  • TAKE MEDICATION as instructed by the doctor.
  • For pain relief: take 400mg ibuprofen (2 Advil) with 1,000 mg acetaminophen (2 Extra-Strength Tylenol) immediately, then repeat every 8 hours as needed. *Do not take more than 3000mg in 24 hours. *Advil Dual Action with acetaminophen is the above already combined. Take 2 tablets every 8 hours.

Please call our office if:

  • If your temporary restoration breaks or comes off prior to your next appointment.
  • If you experience severe pain or swelling that does not dissipate around the restoration site.
  • If after the first 2 days, you are unable to bite down on the tooth without experiencing sharp pain.
  • If you have an allergic reaction to any medication you have taken.