Your new crown is cemented in place. With good cleaning and regular checkups, crowns can last many years.
First days
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
- Some sensitivity to hot and cold, or mild gum soreness, is common for a few days to a couple of weeks.
- If your dentist used a cement that needs time to set, avoid chewing on the crown for the time they told you.
Your bite
- Your bite should feel normal once numbness wears off. If the crown feels high or you hit it first, call us; a quick adjustment helps.
Cleaning
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, sliding floss out sideways if it catches. Decay can still start where the crown meets the tooth.
Protect it
- Avoid chewing ice, pens or very hard foods. If you grind your teeth, ask about a night guard.
Call our office right away if
- The crown feels loose or comes off (keep it and bring it with you)
- Your bite feels high after a day
- Sensitivity that gets worse or lasts more than a few weeks
- Swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.