A temporary crown is a custom-made protective covering placed over a tooth that has been prepared for a permanent restoration. This interim cap, often made of acrylic material, is secured with a specialized, weaker temporary cement. Its primary functions are to shield the sensitive underlying tooth structure and gum tissues from the oral environment and to maintain the correct spacing within the mouth while the laboratory fabricates the final crown. The temporary crown prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and keeps the prepared tooth from moving upward, which could compromise the fit of the permanent cap.
The Necessity of Cleaning Temporary Crowns
Continued oral hygiene is mandatory, even with a temporary crown, because the seal between the temporary cap and the prepared tooth is not perfect. This looser fit allows food particles and bacteria to accumulate more easily beneath the margins, where the crown meets the gum line. Failing to clean the area risks the development of gingivitis in the surrounding tissue. An inflamed, swollen gum line can complicate the seating and proper fit of the final crown during the subsequent appointment. Maintaining cleanliness also prevents the decay of the prepared tooth structure and minimizes sensitivity from exposed dentin.
Safe Flossing Techniques
Although flossing is necessary, the standard technique of snapping the floss up and out between the teeth poses a significant risk of dislodging the temporary crown. The upward force can easily catch the margin of the temporary cap, which is secured with weak cement designed for easy removal. The correct technique involves threading the floss between the teeth as usual to clean the side of the temporary crown and the adjacent tooth. After cleaning the tooth surface, the floss must be removed by pulling it out laterally through the contact point, rather than pulling it back up through the tight space.
This lateral removal method completely eliminates the upward force that could lift the temporary crown from its cement base. Patients can use a floss threader or specialized products like Superfloss to guide the floss under the contact point safely. A gentler alternative for cleaning the area is a water flosser, which uses a pressurized stream of water to remove plaque and debris without mechanical force. Avoid using floss picks, as the short, taut strand makes lateral removal impossible and greatly increases the risk of dislodgement.
Managing Sensitivity and Dietary Restrictions
It is common to experience mild sensitivity to temperature, particularly to cold, in the area of the temporarily crowned tooth. This occurs because the temporary cap does not insulate the prepared tooth as effectively as the final restoration, allowing the underlying dentin to react to thermal changes. Patients must adhere to specific dietary and chewing restrictions to protect the temporary cement and the crown. Sticky foods, such as caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, must be avoided as they can adhere to the crown’s surface and pull it off the tooth when removed.
Hard or crunchy items, including nuts, hard candies, and raw carrots, should also be avoided because the temporary material is not as durable as a permanent crown and can easily chip or crack. Patients should make an effort to chew on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary crown to minimize direct biting forces on the restoration. The temporary crown may feel less secure than a natural tooth or a permanent crown, which is a normal sensation due to the nature of the temporary cement.
Steps to Take If a Temporary Crown Falls Off
If a temporary crown becomes dislodged, the first action is to retrieve the cap and gently clean it with warm water. The tooth underneath should also be rinsed, and the patient must contact the dental office immediately to schedule a re-cementation appointment. The prepared tooth should not be left exposed for an extended period, as this can lead to sensitivity, tooth shifting, and gum irritation, which will negatively impact the final crown fitting.
If the dental office cannot be reached immediately, the crown can be temporarily re-seated using an over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit, denture adhesive, or even a small amount of petroleum jelly. Place a thin layer of the temporary adhesive inside the crown before gently pushing it back onto the tooth. This home fix is only a stopgap measure to protect the tooth and maintain the space until a dentist can properly re-cement it.