A temporary crown serves as a protective shell for a tooth prepared for a permanent restoration. Fabricated from materials like acrylic or composite resin, this placeholder maintains the tooth’s position, function, and aesthetics while the final crown is manufactured. Unlike permanent crowns, the temporary version is secured with a weaker, provisional cement, such as zinc oxide eugenol, allowing for easy removal. This temporary bond necessitates specific, careful hygiene practices to prevent the crown from becoming loose or dislodged during the waiting period.
Proper Brushing Technique Near the Temporary Crown
Brushing remains necessary to prevent plaque accumulation, especially since the seal around a temporary crown is not as tight as a permanent one, making the underlying tooth structure vulnerable. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to minimize physical stress on the crown and surrounding gum tissue. Electric toothbrushes should be avoided in this area, as they often exert higher pressure that could loosen the temporary restoration.
When cleaning the area, focus on a gentle, circular, or short back-and-forth motion, similar to the modified Bass technique, rather than aggressive scrubbing. Pay close attention to the margin where the crown meets the gum line, as food particles and bacteria easily collect there. Angle the brush head slightly away from the gum line as you lift it away from the tooth, avoiding any sudden, upward motion that could catch the edge of the crown and lift it. Standard fluoride toothpaste is acceptable, but always follow specific recommendations from your dental professional.
Handling Flossing and Interdental Cleaning
Cleaning between the teeth is highly important for removing debris and plaque, but traditional flossing techniques pose a significant risk to the temporary crown’s retention. The upward “snap” when removing the floss can catch the bottom edge of the crown and pull it away from the temporary cement. This action is frequently the cause of dislodgement due to the weaker adhesive bond.
To safely clean the contact points, employ a modified technique: thread the floss through the contact as normal, then clean the sides of the tooth. Instead of pulling the floss back up, unthread it by releasing one end and pulling the strand out horizontally through the side (toward the cheek or the tongue). Water flossers are a safe and recommended alternative for interdental cleaning, as they use pressurized water instead of physical force, eliminating the risk of catching the crown margin. Interdental brushes should be used with caution, as their rigid wires could inadvertently put pressure on the crown’s edges.
General Care and Precautions
Beyond daily hygiene, several general precautions are necessary to ensure the temporary crown remains intact until your next appointment. A primary concern is diet; strictly avoid sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel, gum, and taffy, as their adhesive nature can easily pull the crown off. Likewise, avoid extremely hard or crunchy foods, including nuts, hard candies, or ice, because the force required to break them can fracture the temporary material.
Chew food primarily on the opposite side of your mouth from the temporary crown to minimize direct impact and pressure on the restoration. If the crown feels loose, shifts, or falls off completely, contact your dental office immediately for guidance. If you cannot get to the dentist right away, gently clean the crown and the underlying tooth; you may temporarily replace the crown using an over-the-counter temporary dental adhesive or a dab of petroleum jelly to protect the sensitive tooth preparation.