A temporary crown, often called a provisional restoration, is a protective cap placed over a tooth prepared for a permanent restoration. Its primary purpose is to shield the underlying tooth structure while the final crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. The temporary crown maintains correct spacing with adjacent teeth, prevents the prepared tooth from shifting, and seals the tooth to protect it from bacteria and sensitivity.
Daily Care and Precautions
Maintaining the temporary crown requires modifying your normal oral hygiene and dietary habits to prevent accidental dislodgement or damage. Chew food primarily on the side of the mouth opposite the temporary crown to minimize direct force on the cap. Avoid consuming foods that are excessively hard, sticky, or chewy, as these can easily fracture the material or pull the crown off the tooth.
When brushing, clean the area gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain gum health for the final crown fitting. Flossing around the temporary crown requires a specific technique to avoid lifting or popping it off. Instead of pulling the floss back up through the contact point, slide the floss into the space between the teeth, then gently pull it out from the side or thread it through the gum line.
Managing Expected Sensitivity and Discomfort
It is common to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity immediately after the tooth preparation and temporary crown placement. The reshaping process removes a portion of the protective enamel, which can expose microscopic channels called dentin tubules, leading to temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. This sensitivity usually dissipates within a few days as the tooth nerve settles from the procedure.
For managing mild pain or gum soreness, which can result from the injection or the dental cement irritating the surrounding tissue, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective. If temperature sensitivity persists, using toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can help block the exposed tubules and reduce the nerve response. A warm salt water rinse is also beneficial for soothing any irritated gum tissue around the provisional restoration.
Troubleshooting: When the Temporary Crown Fails
Temporary crowns are held in place with non-permanent cement and may occasionally become loose or dislodge. If the crown falls off, carefully retrieve it, inspect it for damage, and gently rinse both the crown and the prepared tooth with warm water. Contact the dental office immediately to schedule an appointment for professional re-cementation.
If you cannot reach your dentist right away, you may temporarily re-cement the crown yourself to protect the underlying tooth. Place a small amount of over-the-counter temporary dental cement, denture adhesive, petroleum jelly, or toothpaste inside the crown and firmly seat it back onto the tooth. Leaving the prepared tooth exposed risks the tooth shifting, which could prevent the permanent crown from fitting properly.
Preparing for the Permanent Crown
The final appointment is dedicated to replacing the provisional restoration with the custom-fabricated permanent crown. The dentist will begin by gently removing the temporary crown and thoroughly cleaning the underlying prepared tooth structure. The permanent crown is then carefully placed and evaluated for an optimal fit against the gum line, neighboring teeth, and the opposing bite.
Minor adjustments to the crown’s surface or edges may be necessary to ensure a comfortable and correct bite alignment, which is checked using a thin articulating paper. Once the fit is confirmed, the crown is bonded to the tooth using a strong, permanent dental cement. Avoid chewing hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the cement to fully set, and immediately report any feeling of the crown hitting too high or persistent discomfort.