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Crown and Bridge Aftercare

Just had a crown or bridge placed? Follow these simple guidelines while you adjust to your new restoration. Call us at our Overland Park or Olathe office with any concerns.

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Medically reviewed by Nick Natanov, DDS, MBA · June 2026

What should you do after a crown or bridge?

A crown or bridge restores a damaged or missing tooth. These steps help you protect the restoration and stay comfortable while you adjust.

Wait to Eat

If you are numb, wait until sensation returns before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.

Protect a Temporary

If you have a temporary crown or bridge, avoid sticky and hard foods that could pull it loose until the final one is placed.

Chew on the Other Side

Favor the other side for the first day or two, especially with a temporary, while you get used to the restoration.

Ease Into Foods

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common at first. Start with softer foods and warm, not hot, drinks.

Keep It Clean

Brush normally and clean gently around the restoration. Sensitivity usually fades within a few days.

Floss With Care

Floss daily. Around a bridge, slide the floss out sideways rather than lifting it. A floss threader helps.

Mind the Cement

A temporary is held with soft cement, so avoid chewing gum and very sticky foods until the final restoration is set.

Watch the Bite

If the bite feels high or uneven once the numbness is gone, call us for a quick adjustment.

Learn more about dental implantsView →

What does adjusting to a crown or bridge look like?

Most people adjust within a few days. Here is what to expect as you settle in.

First 24 hours
Sensitivity and an unfamiliar feeling are common. Favor the other side, especially with a temporary, and eat softer foods.
Days 2 to 3
Sensitivity to hot and cold eases. The restoration begins to feel more natural as you chew.
First week
Most people are comfortable eating normally. Keep cleaning gently around the crown or bridge.
Until the final restoration
If you have a temporary, protect it and keep your appointment so the permanent crown or bridge can be placed.

What is normal, and when should you call us?

This is normal

  • Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days
  • An unfamiliar feeling as you get used to the restoration
  • Tenderness in the gums around the tooth at first
  • Sensitivity that improves a little each day

Call us right away if

  • A temporary or permanent crown or bridge that comes loose or falls out
  • A bite that feels high or uneven after the numbness wears off
  • Sharp or lasting pain when biting
  • Swelling, or sensitivity that gets worse instead of better

Call (913) 948-9488 (Overland Park) or (913) 247-1315 (Olathe).

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a new crown to be sensitive?+
Yes, mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days and usually fades. Sharp or lasting pain when biting should be checked.
What can I eat after getting a crown or bridge?+
Once any numbness is gone you can eat normally, but if you have a temporary, avoid sticky and hard foods that could loosen it.
My temporary crown came off. What should I do?+
Keep the temporary if you can and call us. Avoid chewing on that side so the prepared tooth stays protected until we re-cement or replace it.
How do I clean around a bridge?+
Brush as usual and floss daily, sliding the floss out sideways under the bridge. A floss threader or water flosser makes it easier.
Why does my bite feel off after a crown?+
A new crown can sit slightly high at first. If the bite still feels uneven once the numbness is gone, a quick adjustment usually fixes it.

Our sources

The guidance on this page reflects recommendations from leading dental and medical organizations.

American Dental AssociationMouthHealthy patient guide to crownsVisit →American Dental AssociationMouthHealthy patient guide to bridgesVisit →

This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental care.

Overland Park (913) 948-9488 Olathe (913) 247-1315