A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can protect your natural tooth or implant until your permanent crown can be made and cemented into place. Because the temporary crowns are more delicate compared to permanent crowns, it’s very important to take special care when chewing or flossing.
Their technology exists to make a permanent crown within a couple of days. So, while a dentist constructs your permanent crowns, you will likely get a temporary crown. Once you have a temporary crown, you will want to know how to take special care of it.
So, read continuously to learn more about why you need a temporary crown, and how to take care of a temporary crown before it is replaced with a permanent one.
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Table of Contents
When Do You Need a Temporary Crown?
Temporary crowns are used when your natural tooth requires a traditional permanent crown. Whether your natural tooth requires a temporary crown or permanent crown, there are many reasons why this procedure is performed.
A permanent crown takes a few days or weeks to be made to your specifications, so your dentist will put a temporary crown in place until your permanent crown one is ready.
Here are some reasons why temporary crown is used:
- To maintain the proper spacing between the teeth
- Limit tooth and gum sensitivity
- To protect your natural tooth and gums
- Allow you to smile normally
- To help you eat and chew
A temporary crown may cover a tooth with a root canal, and it can be used for a single tooth or can be a bridge over more than one tooth. Some dental labs may have equipment to make a permanent crown in a single day, but in most cases, it will take up to a week or two weeks to create a permanent crown.
How Long Do You Keep a Temporary Crown?
The temporary crown will be in place for up to 5 weeks, and how long you have the temporary crown totally depends on the time the dentist takes to make a permanent crown.
Implants may require a few weeks or several months to permanent crown can be placed over them.
Temporary crown will Look Like your Other Teeth?
The color and shape of your temporary crown will look like your natural teeth. The dentist may use technology to select the color and shape for the permanent crown that will fit in your mouth perfectly. Also, the dentist will take an example of your natural teeth to make a permanent crown.
Dentists also carefully match the shape of your permanent crown that should look like you have natural teeth. But remember, a temporary crown may not be perfect for your teeth, because it’s not meant to stay in your mouth more than a few weeks. Also, the color of the temporary crown will not match your natural teeth because of the materials that are used for a temporary crown.
Can You Eat Normally with Temporary Crown?
Yes, you can eat normally with a temporary crown. The temporary crown is glued in with temporary cement, and it should be fully normal and functional, so you can chew normally.
The temporary crown glue isn’t meant to hold the tooth in place permanently, it is best to avoid chewing on hard, sticky and tough foods.
It is also a good idea to avoid sugary foods, because a temporary crown may have a gap between the crown line, this means that sugar can get under the crown and cause decay.
Here are some foods that you need to avoid while you have temporary crown:
- Chewing gum
- Nuts
- Ice
- Caramel
- Popcorn
- Corn on the cob
- Steak meat
- Crusty or hard bread
- Crunchy or hard fresh vegetable and fruits
- Try to avoid very hot or very cold food
3 Things to Know When Caring for a Temporary Crown?
- Be mindful of what you eat and drink: avoid chewing in the side of your mouth, and you should avoid hard or sticky foods that might crack the temporary crown or pull it out of your mouth. So, be mindful of what you eat and drink.
- Don’t neglect flossing and brushing: you may be tempted to avoid flossing and brushing around the tooth with a temporary crown. The glue or seal was not tight or strong as it would be on a permanent crown. So, take extra care while brushing and flossing your teeth with a temporary crown.
- Don’t put off your next appointment: temporary crowns are designed to last for up to 3 to 5 weeks, so it’s very important to keep your next appointment soon to have the permanent crown.
What to Do If a Temporary Crown Comes Out?
Temporary crowns are just that – temporary, they are just designed to protect the natural tooth until the permanent crown can be cemented into place.
If your temporary crown comes out, you should contact the dental office or see a dentist, but what to do until you contact the office for advice, so here are some steps you can follow.
- Recover the temporary crown: if your temporary crown is cracked or chipped, remove any broken pieces and wash your mouth with cold water to wash away any particles.
- Wash your temporary crown: whether your temporary crown is in good shape or poor shape, make sure to wash it off gently with warm water.
- Check the natural tooth: your natural tooth is usually smooth and that has been sealed and protected. The cement that was used to attach the temporary crown may have sharp edges, so to protect your mouth place orthodontic wax over your tooth.
- Adhere the temporary crown to your natural tooth: the dental cement is available at any medical or drug store, and this is the best option for reattaching a temporary crown. First, place the cement on the inside of the temporary and set it over your natural tooth. If you don’t have access or are afraid to use dental cement, then try to use toothpaste, Vaseline or dental adhesive.
- Wash your mouth frequently: rinse your mouth frequently and try to keep the area around your natural tooth clean until you can have a temporary replacement at your dentist lab.
How To Care for a Temporary Crown?
Taking care of your temporary crown needs a little special care. You will need to be extra careful while flossing, as not to dislodge your temporary crown, and also you need to brush the area more gently.
It is very important to keep your oral hygiene routine and also keep the area around your temporary crown clean.
Here are some tips on caring for a temporary crown and to reduce chance of losing temporary crown, then consider following recommendations:
- After getting temporary crown, try to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes
- You need to very gently clean your teeth with a soft-bristled brush
- Carefully floss with an in-out motion instead of yup and down, because that will prevent pulling your temporary crown.
- Avoid food that is sticky, hard, tough, crunchy and chewy. Also, avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoid eating or drinking something that is very hot or very cold.
Having a temporary crown over your natural tooth can benefit you in many ways. If you treat your temporary crown carefully and royally, then it should feel like a permanent crown.
QNA’s on Temporary Crown
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How Painful is a Temporary Crown?
soreness and slight discomfort on the teeth. This cause may go away after the placement of a permanent crown. So, try to avoid hard or sticky foods that may dislodge temporary crowns.
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How Strong is a Temporary Crown?
Usually, temporary crowns are not strong and occasionally break or come off. If this happens, please call the dentist or dentist office immediately for advice. Also, take your crown with you while visiting the dentist lab for recement or replacement.
Conclusion
A temporary crown is designed to be a placeholder until your permanent crown is cemented into place. The temporary crown looks similar to your other teeth, not as perfectly matched to your natural teeth or as your permanent crown will be. Temporary crown is not as strong as the permanent crown, so you will need to take some extra care.
Avoid hard and sticky foods, and also sugary foods, and go gently with brushing and flossing.
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