A temporary crown is a provisional restoration placed over a tooth that has been prepared for a full-coverage permanent crown. These temporary caps are typically fabricated from materials like acrylic or composite resin and are not designed for long-term function. The temporary crown’s purpose is to protect the underlying tooth structure, or abutment, which is highly sensitive after the outer layer has been reduced. It acts as a protective shield for the exposed dentin and pulp, preventing nerve irritation and bacterial ingress while the custom permanent restoration is created in a dental laboratory.
The Primary Function and Standard Timeline
The standard duration for wearing a temporary crown is generally two to four weeks, aligning with the time required for a dental laboratory to fabricate the final restoration. During this brief period, the temporary crown serves several mechanical functions. It maintains the proper vertical space in your bite, ensuring the opposing tooth does not shift or over-erupt into the gap. The provisional crown also prevents adjacent teeth from drifting inward toward the prepared site, and is contoured to support the surrounding gum tissue, ensuring a precise fit for the final crown.
Essential Care and Precautions
Because temporary crowns are held in place with a weaker, non-permanent dental cement, patients must take specific precautions to prevent dislodgement or damage. Avoid consuming hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods, such as caramels or gum, as these can pull the crown off the prepared tooth. Chewing should be done primarily on the opposite side of the mouth to minimize forces on the temporary restoration.
Maintaining oral hygiene requires a gentler approach around the temporary crown. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean the area gently, especially near the gum line. When flossing, slide the floss out from the side instead of snapping it upward or downward to avoid lifting the crown. If the crown feels loose, contact the dental office promptly to have it re-cemented before any problems arise.
Potential Issues from Extended Wear
Wearing a temporary crown significantly past the recommended four-week window can lead to serious complications. The temporary cement degrades and washes out over time, creating microscopic gaps around the margins that allow oral bacteria to seep in and colonize the prepared tooth structure. This micro-leakage can rapidly cause recurrent decay or infect the pulp chamber, potentially requiring an unplanned root canal procedure. The temporary material is softer than a permanent crown and will wear down, altering the patient’s bite alignment and increasing the risk of tooth movement, which prevents the custom-made permanent crown from fitting.
Preparing for the Permanent Crown Placement
The final appointment involves a straightforward transition from the provisional to the permanent restoration. The dentist first carefully removes the temporary crown and thoroughly cleans the prepared tooth surface to remove any residual temporary cement. The permanent crown is then tried in place to check for accurate fit, proper contact with adjacent teeth, and correct alignment with the opposing bite. The shade and contour are also confirmed to ensure the crown blends seamlessly with the natural dentition. Minor adjustments may be made chairside before the final step, which involves using a strong, permanent dental cement to securely bond the new crown onto the tooth.