A temporary crown is a protective, tooth-shaped cap placed over a prepared tooth while a dental laboratory fabricates the final, permanent restoration. This interim fixture serves as a placeholder, protecting the underlying tooth structure and maintaining spacing until the next appointment. Since this cap is not meant to be permanent, patients often worry that powerful cleaning tools, such as an electric toothbrush, might be too aggressive. This guidance provides clear advice on safely maintaining oral hygiene during the temporary period.
Why Temporary Crowns Require Special Care
Temporary crowns require special care due to the materials used for the restoration and the attachment process. Unlike permanent crowns made of durable ceramic or metal alloys, the temporary version is typically constructed from softer materials like acrylic or bis-acrylic composite resin. These materials are functional but are less robust and more susceptible to wear or minor fracture than the final restoration.
The primary difference lies in the adhesive used to secure the crown. While a permanent crown uses strong, long-lasting dental cement, the temporary fixture is attached with a weaker, provisional cement. This temporary cement, often zinc oxide-based, is designed to hold securely for a few weeks while allowing the dentist to easily remove the crown without damaging the prepared tooth. The weaker bond means the primary risk is dislodging the entire fixture by compromising the cement seal, rather than fracturing the crown itself.
Safe Electric Brushing Techniques
Using an electric toothbrush on a temporary crown is acceptable, provided the technique is modified to protect the provisional cement seal. The high-speed oscillations or vibrations do not damage the acrylic material, but aggressive use can introduce forces that exploit the weaker temporary bond. The goal is to maximize plaque removal without applying stress to the crown’s margins.
Use the sensitive or gentle mode on your electric toothbrush, if available, which operates at a lower intensity. If your brush has a pressure sensor, ensure the light does not activate when brushing the temporary crown, indicating minimal force is applied. Position the brush head gently on the surface of the crown, allowing the sonic or oscillating action to clean.
The most critical modification involves movement around the gumline margin. Avoid pushing the brush head directly upward against the edge of the crown, especially near the gum tissue. This upward motion can catch the restoration’s edge, creating a lifting force that breaks the cement seal. Instead, use a gentle, sweeping motion away from the gumline, ensuring the brush glides over the crown rather than scrubbing aggressively at its base.
Complementary Care for Temporary Crowns
Maintaining the temporary crown involves non-brushing habits important for stability. Modifying your flossing routine is necessary to prevent accidental dislodgement. When flossing the teeth adjacent to the temporary crown, slide the floss out sideways from between the teeth instead of pulling it back up through the contact point. Pulling the floss upward can catch the restoration’s edge and lift it off the tooth, so the sideways release is a necessary step.
Dietary changes are also necessary, as the temporary crown’s weaker material and cement are susceptible to external forces. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, as these items exert a strong pulling force that can easily dislodge the crown. Hard and crunchy foods, such as nuts or hard candies, are also restricted because they can generate pressure that may crack the temporary resin.
If the temporary crown feels loose or comes off, contact your dental office immediately for repair or re-cementation. If possible, save the crown, as the dentist may be able to clean and reapply the same fixture until your permanent crown is ready. Never attempt to chew on the prepared tooth without the temporary crown in place, as this causes sensitivity and compromises the final crown placement.