A temporary crown is a custom-made cap placed over a prepared natural tooth, serving as a placeholder until the permanent restoration is fabricated in a dental laboratory. This provisional device maintains proper spacing between teeth, protects the underlying tooth structure from temperature changes and bacteria, and allows for normal function. Since the temporary crown is not secured with permanent cement, special care is necessary, particularly concerning what and how you eat, to ensure it remains securely in place.
The Initial Waiting Period
The most immediate concern after the procedure is allowing the temporary cement to fully set. While the cement begins to harden rapidly, its complete initial cure takes longer. Dentists typically recommend refraining from chewing or eating for at least 30 minutes to one hour following placement. This initial wait time allows the temporary luting agent, which is intentionally less durable for easy removal later, to achieve sufficient bond strength.
If a local anesthetic was administered, waiting until the numbness completely wears off is an equally important consideration before consuming anything. Eating while the mouth, lips, or tongue are still numb can inadvertently lead to biting and injuring the soft tissues. It can also cause you to apply excessive, unnoticed force that could dislodge the temporary crown.
Dietary Guidelines for Temporary Crowns
The provisional nature of the crown and its weaker cement require a significant adjustment to your diet. The primary goal is to avoid foods that place excessive shear force, pulling tension, or concentrated pressure on the temporary cap.
Sticky foods are the most common culprits for dislodging a temporary crown because they adhere to the material and pull on the cement bond.
- Gum
- Caramels
- Toffee
- Taffy
Hard and crunchy items should also be avoided because they can fracture the temporary acrylic material or break the cement seal.
- Nuts
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Crisp raw vegetables
Similarly, very chewy foods introduce forces that can strain the provisional restoration. These include dense bagels, tough meat, or crusty breads. Opting for softer foods minimizes these risks and protects the underlying tooth.
Focus your diet on soft, easily chewed items like yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, smoothies, and boneless fish or ground meat. The prepared tooth can also be sensitive to thermal changes. It is advisable to moderate the consumption of extremely hot beverages or very cold foods like ice cream, as extreme temperatures can increase sensitivity.
Essential Care While Eating
Protecting the temporary crown involves conscious changes to your chewing technique and oral hygiene routine. Chew primarily on the side of the mouth opposite to the temporary crown. This practice helps prevent the direct application of forces that could pop the restoration off or cause it to crack.
When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure, avoiding aggressive scrubbing directly at the gumline. Flossing requires a specific modification to prevent accidental dislodgement. Instead of pulling the floss back up through the contact point between the teeth, gently slide the floss out sideways from the gumline once cleaning is complete.
If the temporary crown feels loose or comes off while eating, contact your dentist immediately. In the interim, gently clean the inside of the crown and the tooth. You can attempt to reseat the crown using a small amount of toothpaste or over-the-counter dental adhesive for temporary retention. Maintaining the temporary crown’s position is important to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and ensure the permanent crown will fit correctly.