Crown / Cap Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for crown / cap: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Protecting Your Crown
- •Avoid biting directly into very hard foods (ice, hard candy, bones)
- •Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- •Regular brushing and flossing around the crown is essential
Crown / Cap recovery, day by day
Temporary Crown
- A temporary crown has been placed while the permanent is made
- Avoid sticky, chewy foods (caramels, gum, taffy) on that side
- If it comes off, try placing it back with toothpaste and call us
Sensitivity
- Hot/cold sensitivity is normal for 1-2 weeks
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods/drinks initially
- Use sensitivity toothpaste if needed
Daily Care
- Brush normally but gently around the temporary crown
- Floss carefully, pulling the floss OUT to the side rather than up
- Sensitivity should gradually improve
Bite Check
- If your bite feels high or uneven, call us for a quick adjustment
- Do NOT ignore a high bite, it can cause pain and damage
- This is a simple fix at the office
Permanent Crown Appointment
- Return for permanent crown placement (usually 2 weeks)
- Some sensitivity for a few days after permanent placement is normal
- Permanent crown should feel like a natural tooth within a week
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Temporary crown falls off completely
- •Severe pain that worsens over days instead of improving
- •Visible swelling or pus around the crown
- •Bite feels significantly off after adjustment
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Numbness wears off
Feeling returns 2-4 hours after procedure
- Day 7
Sensitivity improves
Hot/cold sensitivity should diminish
- Day 14
Permanent crown placed
Final crown cementation appointment
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact crown / cap recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.