The question of whether you can brush your teeth with a temporary crown is straightforward: yes, you must continue to brush, but with significant caution. A temporary crown acts as a protective shield for the prepared tooth structure while the permanent restoration is being made. It is cemented with a weakened, provisional adhesive, designed for easy removal by the dentist later on. Maintaining oral hygiene is necessary to prevent gum inflammation and infection, as the temporary seal is vulnerable to bacterial buildup and decay.
Safe Brushing Techniques
The primary instruction for brushing with a temporary crown is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce the risk of dislodging the restoration. Apply gentle, circular motions around the gumline and all surfaces of the temporary crown. The goal is to clean effectively without applying undue pressure that could break the temporary cement bond.
Direct the bristles toward the chewing surface or parallel to the gumline, carefully cleaning the margin where the crown meets the tooth. Avoid aggressive side-to-side scrubbing motions, which place lateral stress on the crown’s edge. Electric toothbrushes are generally not recommended on or immediately around the temporary crown due to the potential for excessive vibration and pressure.
Flossing and Interdental Cleaning
Flossing around a temporary crown requires a modified technique to prevent inadvertently pulling the restoration off the tooth. Traditional flossing involves snapping the floss up and out, a motion that can catch the edge of the temporary crown and lift it from the tooth. Temporary crowns are not as robust as the final product, making them susceptible to this upward force.
Instead of pulling up to remove the floss, thread the floss between the teeth as usual to clean the side of the temporary crown and the adjacent tooth. Once cleaned, release one end of the floss and gently pull the entire strand out sideways through the contact point, parallel to the gumline. Water flossers can be an alternative for interdental cleaning, but they should be used at a low-to-medium setting, as a high-pressure jet can also potentially dislodge the crown.
Protecting the Temporary Crown
The temporary cement used to hold the crown in place is deliberately weaker than permanent cement, meaning external forces and certain foods can easily compromise the restoration. Sticky foods, such as caramel, toffee, or chewing gum, must be avoided entirely because they can grip the crown material and pull it directly off the prepared tooth.
Hard and crunchy items like nuts, ice, hard candies, or crusty breads should also be avoided because they can fracture the temporary crown material. It is recommended to chew on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary restoration to minimize the direct biting force applied to it. Additionally, consuming very hot beverages with caution is advisable, as extremely hot liquids may affect the temporary cement.
What to Do If the Temporary Crown Comes Loose
If the temporary crown feels loose or comes off completely, the first step is to contact your dental office immediately. A prepared tooth without its temporary covering can become highly sensitive to temperature and air, and it is at risk of shifting position. This movement could alter the fit of your permanent crown, delaying the completion of your treatment.
If you are unable to see your dentist right away, retrieve the crown and gently clean it with water. You may attempt to re-seat it using a small amount of over-the-counter temporary dental cement, denture adhesive, or even toothpaste placed inside the crown. Press the crown firmly back over the tooth, but be sure to call the office as soon as possible, even if you successfully re-seated it, so a professional can check and re-cement the crown properly.