A temporary crown is a protective cap placed over a prepared tooth while a dental laboratory fabricates the permanent restoration. This interim solution shields the exposed dentin and surrounding gum tissue from sensitivity, bacteria, and damage during the two-to-three-week waiting period. It also acts as a placeholder, keeping adjacent and opposing teeth from shifting, ensuring the final crown fits correctly. Because the temporary crown is not a permanent fixture, its care requires a mindful approach, especially regarding cleanliness between the teeth.
Why Temporary Crowns Require Special Care
The need for special care stems from the materials used for both the crown and the adhesive. Temporary crowns are typically made from less durable materials like acrylic or composite resin, which are not as strong as the porcelain or metal alloys used for final restorations. This provisional material is more susceptible to cracking or breaking. Dentists secure the temporary crown using a temporary cement, which is deliberately less retentive than permanent dental adhesive. This weaker bond is necessary so the clinician can easily remove the crown when the permanent one is ready. Standard flossing techniques, which involve forcefully popping the floss back out through the tight contact point, can generate enough upward leverage to dislodge this temporary cement.
The Approved Flossing Technique
Cleaning the space between the temporary crown and the neighboring tooth is necessary to prevent gum inflammation and decay. Standard flossing is not forbidden, but the technique must be modified to prevent the crown from being pulled off. Floss should be threaded between the teeth as normal to clean the surfaces.
The modification involves the removal of the floss, which must follow the “pull-through” method. After cleaning the tooth surfaces, instead of pulling it back up through the contact point, release one end of the floss and gently pull the entire strand through the side. This side-to-side removal, either toward the tongue or the cheek, avoids creating the upward snap that can loosen temporary crowns. This technique removes the floss safely without placing upward force on the restoration.
If using traditional string floss is difficult, specialized dental aids can assist. Floss threaders are flexible loops that guide a strand of floss under the contact point and allow it to be pulled out sideways. Superfloss, which features a stiffened end and a spongy middle section, can be easily threaded through to clean the area before being pulled out from the side. Floss picks should be avoided because they are rigid and force the user to pull the floss back up through the contact, increasing the risk of dislodgement.
Maintaining Overall Oral Hygiene
A gentle and consistent oral hygiene routine is required to protect the temporary crown and the underlying tooth. Brushing should be performed at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Use mild, circular motions around the crown’s margin to clean the area without applying excessive pressure that could weaken the temporary cement.
Dietary choices must be adjusted, as the temporary material and cement make the crown vulnerable. Hard, sticky, or chewy items, such as caramel, toffee, chewing gum, or hard candies, should be strictly avoided because they can adhere to the crown and pull it off. Avoid biting directly into very firm foods, like raw carrots or crusty bread, which could fracture the acrylic material.
Chew food primarily on the opposite side of the mouth from the temporary crown to minimize stress on the restoration. Water flossers can supplement the flossing technique, but they should be set to a low-pressure setting to gently irrigate the area. If the temporary crown comes loose or falls off, contact the dental office immediately to have it re-cemented. In the interim, the crown can be placed back over the tooth using a small amount of toothpaste or over-the-counter denture adhesive for temporary protection.