Dr Rockson Samuel

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Pre/Post-Treatment Patient Care, Dental Care
Posted 2 years ago

Caring for temporary crowns

Temporary crowns play a vital role in protecting your tooth while a permanent crown is being made. They cover and safeguard the prepared tooth, maintaining its function and appearance during the interim period. However, temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent ones, so they require special care to avoid damage, dislodgment, or discomfort. Proper care of your temporary crown is essential to ensure a smooth transition to your permanent restoration and prevent complications such as tooth sensitivity, discomfort, or infection.

In this article, we’ll outline what temporary crowns are, their purpose, and the steps you can take to care for them properly.

What are temporary crowns?

A temporary crown is a short-term cap placed over a tooth that has been prepared for a permanent crown. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic, composite resin, or other less durable materials, and they are used to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental lab.

Purpose of temporary crowns:

Protects the tooth: After the tooth is shaped for a crown, it becomes more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and infection. The temporary crown provides protection.
Maintains tooth function: Temporary crowns allow you to eat, speak, and smile normally while waiting for the permanent crown.
Prevents shifting: The temporary crown ensures the adjacent teeth remain in place, preventing them from shifting and causing alignment issues.

How long do temporary crowns last?

Temporary crowns are designed to be worn for a short period, typically 1 to 3 weeks, while the permanent crown is being created. During this time, it’s important to take extra care of the temporary crown, as it is not as strong as the permanent one and can break, loosen, or fall off if not handled correctly.

How to care for a temporary crown

To ensure the temporary crown stays in place and that your tooth remains protected, it’s important to follow specific care guidelines. Here’s how to care for your temporary crown:

1. Avoid sticky and hard foods

Sticky or hard foods can pull off or damage your temporary crown. It’s best to avoid these types of foods until your permanent crown is placed.

Avoid sticky foods: Stay away from gum, caramel, taffy, and other sticky foods that can dislodge the temporary crown.
Avoid hard foods: Refrain from eating hard foods like raw vegetables, nuts, ice, or hard candy, as these can crack or break the temporary crown.
Chew on the opposite side: If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting excessive pressure on the temporary crown.

2. Be gentle when brushing and flossing

While oral hygiene is important, you’ll need to be more careful when brushing and flossing around the temporary crown to avoid dislodging or damaging it.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Gently brush your teeth, including the area around the temporary crown, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Floss carefully: When flossing, avoid pulling up on the floss, as this could dislodge the temporary crown. Instead, slide the floss out from the side of the tooth. You may also use a floss threader for easier access around the temporary crown.

3. Avoid excessive pressure on the temporary crown

Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones, so it’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on them.

Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth: If you tend to grind your teeth (bruxism), be extra cautious as this can put undue pressure on the temporary crown. Consider wearing a nightguard if needed.
Avoid using your teeth as tools: Don’t use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or bite on non-food items, as this can damage the temporary crown.

4. Address sensitivity or discomfort

It’s normal to experience some tooth sensitivity or mild discomfort after receiving a temporary crown, but it should subside after a few days. If sensitivity persists, there are ways to manage it:

Use desensitizing toothpaste: Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity in the affected area.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks, as they may aggravate sensitivity.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce discomfort. However, if pain persists or worsens, contact your dentist.

5. Maintain good oral hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent plaque buildup and infection around the temporary crown and gum area.

Brush twice a day: Continue to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, being careful around the temporary crown.
Floss daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, reducing the risk of gum inflammation or infection. Just remember to floss carefully around the temporary crown to avoid dislodging it.
Use mouthwash: An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque buildup around the crown.

6. Keep an eye on the crown

While temporary crowns are meant to be secure, they can sometimes loosen or fall off. If your temporary crown feels loose or comes off, contact your dentist immediately.

If the crown feels loose: Avoid chewing on the crown and call your dentist as soon as possible for a re-cementation.
If the crown falls off: You can temporarily reattach the crown with dental cement (available at most drugstores) until you can see your dentist. Avoid eating or drinking on that side of your mouth until the crown is reattached.

7. Attend follow-up appointments

Make sure to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist, including the appointment for placing the permanent crown. Delaying the permanent crown placement can increase the risk of damage to the tooth or temporary crown.

Follow-up care: Your dentist will check the condition of the temporary crown, take any necessary impressions, and ensure that your tooth is ready for the permanent crown placement.

Signs of temporary crown problems

It’s important to be aware of potential issues with temporary crowns so that you can address them promptly. If you notice any of the following problems, contact your dentist:

Crown feels loose or wobbly: This may indicate that the temporary crown is not properly fitted or has become dislodged.
Crown falls off: If the crown falls off, contact your dentist immediately for reattachment.
Excessive pain or swelling: While mild discomfort is normal, severe or persistent pain or swelling could indicate an infection or other problem that needs attention.
Unusual taste or smell: This could indicate a bacterial infection under the crown, and you should see your dentist to address the issue.

Conclusion

Caring for your temporary crown is essential to protect your tooth and ensure a successful transition to your permanent crown. By avoiding hard or sticky foods, being gentle with your oral hygiene, and addressing any issues promptly, you can keep your temporary crown secure and comfortable during the waiting period. Always maintain regular communication with your dentist and follow any specific instructions they provide to ensure the best possible outcome for your permanent crown placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this article about?

Caring for temporary crowns Temporary crowns play a vital role in protecting your tooth while a permanent crown is being made. They cover and safeguard the prepared tooth, maintaining its function and appearance during the interim period.