When a tooth requires a permanent crown, the dentist places a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth structure while the final crown is fabricated in a lab. This interim step maintains the space between teeth and prevents shifting until the definitive restoration is ready. Patients often wonder about the limits of this placeholder, especially regarding eating and chewing. Understanding the temporary crown’s nature is important for the overall procedure’s success.
The Purpose and Structure of Temporary Crowns
Temporary crowns are constructed from acrylic or composite resin, which are significantly softer and less durable than permanent crowns. These materials allow for quick fabrication chairside, serving as a short-term protective barrier. The primary function is to shield the reshaped, sensitive tooth structure from bacteria and temperature changes. The restoration also maintains proper alignment, preventing adjacent teeth from drifting into the space.
The adhesive used is a major distinction. The cement is specifically designed to be easily removed by the dentist when the permanent crown is ready for placement. This weaker cement provides enough retention for careful use but cannot withstand the high forces of heavy chewing or sticky foods. Therefore, the temporary crown is a protective covering, not a fully functional replacement tooth.
Essential Chewing and Eating Guidelines
The general recommendation is to avoid chewing directly on the side of the mouth where the temporary crown is located. Use the opposite side of the mouth for the majority of food intake to reduce mechanical stress on the weaker materials and adhesive.
Certain foods pose a distinct threat to the crown’s stability. Sticky foods, such as caramels, taffy, and chewing gum, must be completely avoided because the tensile force created when pulling them away can easily dislodge the crown. Hard or crunchy foods, including ice, nuts, and hard candies, risk fracturing the temporary material.
Avoiding Excessive Forces
Patients must avoid actions that introduce excessive forces to the restoration. This includes habits like clenching or grinding the teeth, which generate lateral pressure that can loosen the crown. Using the crowned tooth to open packages or bite non-food items should also be strictly avoided.
The prepared tooth surface may exhibit heightened sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Temporary materials are less effective insulators than permanent crowns, allowing heat and cold to reach the underlying dentin. Exercise caution with very hot or extremely cold beverages until the final crown is placed.
Managing a Dislodged or Broken Temporary Crown
A temporary crown may occasionally become dislodged or break, requiring immediate attention. If the crown comes off, gently retrieve and clean it, along with the underlying tooth preparation, using water and a soft toothbrush. It is important to keep the crown, as the dentist may be able to simply re-cement the original piece.
Leaving the tooth preparation exposed risks sensitivity, shifting of adjacent teeth, and potential bacterial contamination. If the crown comes off outside of business hours, you can temporarily re-seat it using a small amount of over-the-counter dental adhesive or petroleum jelly applied to the inside surface. Ensure it is oriented correctly, pressing it gently but firmly into place until it seats fully.
This temporary fixation is intended only to shield the tooth and maintain its position for a short period. It is not a permanent seal and should not be relied upon for any chewing function. Contacting the dental office immediately is the most important step after a temporary crown is compromised, even if you successfully re-seat it. A professional re-cementation or fabrication of a new temporary crown is necessary to ensure the long-term health and protection of the prepared tooth surface.