A temporary crown is a placeholder that protects a tooth prepared for a permanent restoration. The purpose of this interim cap is to shield the underlying tooth structure from sensitivity and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the newly created space. Because this restoration is only worn for a short period while the permanent crown is fabricated, it is inherently more fragile than the final product. Understanding this temporary nature is key to protecting the crown from damage or dislodgement before your next dental appointment.
Understanding the Design of a Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is typically constructed from a softer material, such as acrylic or composite resin, which is less durable than the porcelain or metal alloys used for permanent crowns. This material choice allows the crown to be easily adjusted and removed by the dentist when the permanent restoration is ready. The temporary crown is held in place with a special, non-permanent dental adhesive.
This temporary cement, often zinc-oxide based, is specifically engineered to have a weaker bond than the strong, long-term cement used for final crowns. This lower adhesive strength ensures the dentist can easily separate the temporary crown from the prepared tooth without causing trauma. However, this weak bond makes the crown susceptible to being pulled off by sticky foods or fractured by excessive biting force. The design prioritizes ease of removal over long-term strength.
Dietary Guidelines: Specific Foods to Avoid
The fragility of the temporary crown means that hard, sticky, or exceptionally chewy foods must be strictly avoided. Popcorn, in particular, is a major risk and should not be consumed. The primary danger comes from unpopped kernels, which are extremely hard and can easily fracture the acrylic material or crack the temporary cement seal.
The stiff, fibrous hulls of popped kernels also pose a threat. They can wedge forcefully between the temporary crown and the gum line, lifting the crown off the tooth surface and breaking the cement bond. Other hard and crunchy items carry a similar fracture risk.
Sticky and chewy foods create a strong, tensile force that can pull the entire temporary restoration directly off the tooth. To minimize stress, cut tough foods like raw carrots or apples into small, manageable pieces instead of biting into them directly, and always chew on the side of the mouth opposite to the temporary crown.
Foods to avoid due to fracture or pulling risk include:
- Nuts
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Chewing gum
What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Comes Loose
If your temporary crown comes loose or falls out, the first step is to remain calm and retrieve the crown if possible. The exposed prepared tooth underneath can be very sensitive to temperature and pressure, so contact your dental office immediately to schedule an emergency recementation. Until you can see the dentist, you must keep the crown and the underlying tooth clean by rinsing your mouth gently with warm water.
If you cannot get to the dentist right away, you may attempt a temporary fix using a small amount of over-the-counter temporary dental cement or even dental wax. Clean the inside of the crown and the tooth surface, apply a minimal amount of the material inside the crown, and gently seat it back onto the tooth. This measure is only a short-term solution to protect the prepared tooth from sensitivity and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting until professional care can be provided.