A temporary crown functions as a short-term placeholder while a dental laboratory custom-fabricates the permanent restoration. This provisional cap protects the prepared tooth structure, which is vulnerable after being shaped for the final crown. It seals the exposed dentin, preventing bacteria from entering and reducing sensitivity. The temporary crown also maintains the correct spacing and alignment of surrounding teeth, ensuring the permanent crown fits precisely. It is held in place with temporary cement, which is intentionally less strong than permanent adhesive for easy removal during the next appointment.
Dietary Precautions
Protecting the temporary crown requires careful attention to food choices to prevent dislodgement or fracture. Excessively sticky foods, such as caramels, taffy, chewing gum, or licorice, pose the greatest risk. Their adhesive nature can grip the crown and pull it away from the prepared tooth surface, easily overcoming the low bonding strength of the temporary cement.
Hard and crunchy items like nuts, ice, hard candies, or crisp vegetables should also be avoided. Biting down on these substances places excessive force on the provisional material, which is less durable than a final crown. This force may cause the temporary crown to crack, break, or become deformed.
Patients should also minimize consumption of foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold, as the prepared tooth surface underneath the crown can be highly reactive to temperature changes. This sensitivity is a direct result of the dentin being exposed. To reduce mechanical stress, it is helpful to chew primarily on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary crown.
Specific Oral Hygiene Techniques
Maintaining thorough oral hygiene is necessary to keep the area clean and prevent gum inflammation, but the routine must be modified to protect the provisional restoration. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, circular motions. Avoid brushing aggressively near the gum line, as this can irritate the soft tissue or potentially loosen the crown from its temporary cement.
Flossing requires the most significant modification to the standard technique to ensure the crown remains secure. While flossing is important to remove plaque and debris, the floss should not be pulled back up through the contact point. The upward snapping motion risks catching the edge of the temporary crown and lifting it off the tooth preparation.
Instead, gently thread the dental floss between the teeth, clean along the sides of the temporary crown, and then carefully pull it out from the side, parallel to the gum line. This technique prevents upward pressure from being applied to the restoration. Patients should avoid using floss picks, as they increase the risk of dislodging the crown.
Managing Sensitivity and Discomfort
It is common to experience mild sensitivity to air, cold liquids, or hot foods in the initial days following temporary crown placement. This reaction is often due to the residual irritation of the tooth nerve following the preparation procedure. This sensitivity typically diminishes as the tooth nerve settles and the surrounding gum tissue heals.
For managing general tenderness or mild discomfort, over-the-counter analgesic medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken as directed. The cementation process can sometimes cause minor irritation to the adjacent gingival tissue. A warm salt water rinse, prepared by dissolving a half-teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, can be swished gently to soothe irritated gums and promote healing.
Handling Displacement or Damage
If the temporary crown becomes loose, cracked, or falls off completely, immediate action is required to protect the underlying tooth structure. Carefully retrieve the crown and contact the dental office without delay. The exposed prepared tooth is susceptible to sensitivity and shifting, and leaving it uncovered can cause adjacent teeth to drift, preventing the final crown from fitting properly.
If the crown is intact, the dentist may advise a temporary re-seating measure until a repair appointment can be scheduled. Gently clean the inside of the crown. A small amount of over-the-counter temporary dental cement, denture adhesive, or a thick substance like petroleum jelly can be placed inside the crown. The crown is then carefully pressed back onto the prepared tooth, and the patient should avoid chewing on that side.
The prepared tooth must not be left exposed for an extended period, even if the temporary crown feels securely re-seated at home. The integrity of the seal is necessary to protect the dentin and pulp from bacteria and temperature changes. Visit the dental office promptly to have the temporary crown professionally re-cemented or replaced.