Prosthodontics (Crowns, Bridges & Dentures)
Caring for new & temporary restorations
How to protect new fillings, crowns and temporary work while they settle.
Sensitivity
Usually settles
Temporaries
Eat carefully
Bite
Should feel even
Cleaning
Continue gently
Overview
New and temporary restorations need a little extra care at first. Sensitivity is common for a short time and usually settles on its own.
Temporary crowns and fillings are not as strong as the final ones, so some foods and habits are best avoided until your treatment is complete.
What to know
- Mild sensitivity after treatment is normal
- Avoid sticky and hard foods on temporaries
- Keep brushing and flossing gently
- Tell your dentist if your bite feels high
Caring for it
- Wait until any numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your lip or cheek.
- Chew on the other side while a temporary crown or filling is in place.
- Avoid sticky, chewy or very hard foods that could dislodge a temporary.
- Brush gently around new work and clean between the teeth with floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser; near a temporary, pull floss out sideways rather than lifting it.
- Expect some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days.
- Take mild pain relief as directed if the tooth feels tender.
- Contact your dentist if your bite feels high or uneven.
- Call us promptly if a temporary comes off or breaks.
Common questions
How long will sensitivity last?
Often a few days to a couple of weeks; let your dentist know if it worsens or persists.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Keep it safe and contact us soon, as the tooth underneath needs protecting.
Can I eat normally straight away?
Wait for numbness to pass, and be gentle with temporaries until the final work is fitted.
Why does my bite feel high?
A new filling or crown may need a small adjustment; book a quick review.
Should I still floss around new work?
Yes — floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser all work. Near a temporary, pull floss out to the side rather than lifting it, so you do not dislodge it.
Related topics
Dental crown
A custom cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Tooth-coloured (composite) filling
A tooth-coloured filling that repairs a tooth and blends in naturally.
Inlay / onlay
A custom-made filling that repairs a tooth when a normal filling is not enough.
Post & core / build-up
A support built inside a root-treated tooth to hold a crown securely.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026