Eusebio Dental
ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA
Temporary Crown or Bridge
Protect Your Temporary
What to Do Today
• Do not chew until the numbness is gone.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods on the temporary.
• Chew on the other side when possible.
• Brush gently around the temporary.
What to Expect Next
Tomorrow
• Floss each day.
• Slide the floss out through the side. Do not pull it straight up.
• Keep avoiding gum, caramel, sticky candy, ice, and hard nuts.
Days 2-3
• Mild gum soreness or cold sensitivity can be normal.
• The tooth should feel better each day.
Days 4-7
• Keep the temporary clean.
• Call us if it feels loose or the bite feels high.
Later Healing
• Keep your appointment for the final crown or bridge.
• A temporary is not made to last for a long time.
Pain Medicine
Adult doses only. Use these medicines only if they are safe for you.
• Mild or moderate pain: Take ONE — ibuprofen up to 600 mg OR acetaminophen up to 1,000 mg.
• More pain: Take BOTH together.
• Wait at least 6 hours before the next dose. Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Do not take more than 2,400 mg of ibuprofen or 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.
• Check all medicine labels for acetaminophen. Ask us, your doctor, or a pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Do not take either medicine if a doctor has told you to avoid it.
Normal Healing
• Mild gum soreness
• Mild cold sensitivity
• A temporary that feels slightly different from a natural tooth
• Slow improvement
Call Eusebio Dental
Call or text Eusebio Dental for:
• A temporary that comes off, breaks, or feels loose
• A bite that feels too high
• Strong or worsening pain
• Swelling, fever, or a bad taste
• Sharp edges that hurt your tongue or cheek
Emergency -
Call 911
Call 911 now for:
• Trouble breathing
• Severe swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow
• Bleeding you cannot control
You Might Be Wondering
What if the temporary comes off?
Save it and call us. Do not use superglue.
Can I floss?
Yes. Slide the floss out through the side.
Can I chew on it?
Use the other side when possible. Avoid hard and sticky foods.
Why is it sensitive?
The tooth and gum may be sore after treatment. It should improve.
Helpful Tips
Why This Matters
• Keep sticky foods away from the temporary.
• Floss, then slide the floss out to the side.
• Save the temporary if it comes off.
• Call quickly if it comes off so the tooth does not move.
• The temporary protects the tooth and keeps nearby teeth from moving.
• Hard or sticky foods can pull it off.
• Clean gums help the final crown or bridge fit well.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Eusebio, DMD, MBA
Last Reviewed:
July 2026
Sources:
Temporary Crown or Bridge