CEREC Aftercare: Frequently Asked Questions
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s an advanced dental technology that allows our team at Orange Grove Family Dentistry to create and place a custom, high-quality ceramic crown in just one visit. Unlike traditional crowns that require multiple appointments and a temporary crown, CEREC crowns are designed, milled, and bonded in a single session.
If you’ve just received a CEREC same-day crown or are scheduled for one soon, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect afterward. Let’s explore the most frequently asked post-treatment questions—and offer some reassuring answers to help you feel confident and informed.
How long will I be numb after my same-day crown treatment?
Your lips, teeth, cheeks, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure. To avoid injury, you should avoid chewing, hot food, and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. Biting or burning your tongue, cheek, or lip can easily happen while you are still numb.
Will my gums or jaw be sore?
In some cases, dental work can cause irritation of the gum tissue. Rinsing your mouth two to three times daily with ½ teaspoon of warm saltwater can help relieve discomfort. Injection sites can be sore for several days after your appointment and may appear as a small bruise inside your mouth. Over-the-counter pain medications, like Ibuprofen, work well to alleviate tenderness.
My bite feels a little off. Is this normal?
If your bite feels uneven, please call our office so we can quickly adjust the temporary or final crown. Do not assume your bite will get better over time. If proper adjustments aren’t made, the tooth may become irritated, and a toothache may occur. This may also increase the tooth’s temperature sensitivity.
Will my tooth be sensitive following my procedure?
Yes, it is normal to experience some sensitivity to pressure, sweets, and temperature (hot and cold) after your appointment. This sensitivity can sometimes last several months after treatment. Usually, deeper cavities will be more sensitive for a more extended period. Again, make sure your bite feels even.
How should I take care of my new CEREC crown?
To ensure your new crown looks and functions ideally, you should avoid eating crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods like potato chips, bagels, gum, licorice, etc. The crown cement takes a full day to harden completely, and you don’t want your crown to shift into a bad position and interfere with your bite. It’s best to chew only on the opposite side from the crown for the first 24 hours.
Can I brush and floss around my new CEREC crown?
You can brush your teeth as usual using a soft-bristle toothbrush, but don’t floss around your new CEREC crown for 24 hours. It may be more difficult to floss around the crown for a couple of weeks after the procedure. Floss threaders can help you floss around new crowns.
What if the CEREC crown feels loose or comes off?
This is rare with CEREC crowns, but if it happens, keep the crown safe and call our office immediately. Don’t try to reattach it yourself.
CEREC technology offers a faster, more comfortable experience with long-lasting results. If you have concerns or experience unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our team—we’re here to help you smile confidently.
