What should you know about temporary dental crowns?

Every person who has ever visited a dentist’s office has met the concept of dental crowns. Gold crowns are familiar to every person – this is a classic of prosthetics, which is already a thing of the past. Now there are more modern materials – cermets, ceramics, zirconium dioxide, and ceramic composites. And all of them are used for permanent prostheses that are worn for years. But there are also temporary dental crowns that need to be worn for a shorter period.

While waiting for a permanent crown, a temporary cap shields a natural tooth or implant. Unlike strong permanent crowns, these caps are delicate and easily damaged, demanding extra care. Patients should be cautious, particularly during flossing or chewing, to protect their temporary crowns.

A temporary crown can be used for any single tooth, or it can serve as a bridge for multiple implants and teeth. It usually takes several weeks for dentists to create a permanent crown. Therefore, patients should use a temporary crown for 2-3 weeks.

What is a temporary dental crown?

Temporary (or Provisional) crowns are caps that are put on teeth (in need of prosthetics) or dental implants. Provisional crowns are similar to permanent crowns in shape and size and have a natural color but differ in material, strength, stability, and service life.

All permanent dental restorative appliances require a certain amount of time to be made, usually three or more days. At the same time, the abutment teeth have already passed the processing stage and do not look aesthetically pleasing – after all, they are quite sharply turned.

What is the purpose of temporary crowns?

You need to understand the following purposes to explore why dentists put temporary crowns in front of permanent ones,

• Protection of the turned tooth and its surrounding gums from mechanical damage: while chewing food or brushing with a toothbrush.
• Protection against external irritants: acids, temperature changes,
• Restoration of the aesthetics of the dentition,
• Restoration of the functionality of the tooth: of course, in this case, its “performance” will be incomplete because strong chewing pressure can damage the root or implant,
• accelerating adaptation to a permanent prosthesis,
• Normalization and correction of the position of the gums if such a crown is placed on a newly installed implant.

How to Care for Temporary Dental Crowns?

For severe tooth decay or fractures, the ideal treatment option is the use of dental crowns. These tooth caps protect the underlying structure of the tooth from further damage or decay. In most cases, the fabrication of crowns takes several weeks. This means that patients need to wear temporary dental crowns for a week or two while dental specialists create the special crowns. Because of this, there are certain care instructions that must be taken into account. Below are some basic tips for caring for temporary dental crowns.

1) Do not eat for 30 minutes after the crown is placed

Even if the temporary crown is eventually replaced, it is important that it remains secure. To prevent issues, refrain from eating for half an hour after the crown is cemented and positioned.

2) Be careful on what you eat

• Avoid hard and sticky foods – Some food products may knock out the temporary crown. So it is better to avoid hard and chewy foods like caramel, iris, chewing gums, hard bread, nuts, corn on the cob, apples. Instead, stick to easy to chew and swallow diet in this tenure.
• Soft Food Diet to Take- Given the damage caused by crunchy and sticky foods, it is best for patients to stick to a soft food diet until their temporary crown is replaced. Choose from yogurt, puree, oatmeal, applesauce, bananas, soup, smoothies, and so on. The less chewing required to consume the product, the better.
• Avoid hot and cold temperatures- Hot and cold temperatures can lead to acute bouts of tooth sensitivity. Try to stick to warm foods or drinks at room temperature while you have temporary dental crowns.
• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth- As an additional precaution, it is recommended that patients attempt to chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the crown site. This practice is particularly beneficial in the initial days to minimize discomfort and maintain the temporary crown’s position.

3) Oral hygiene with temporary crowns

It is important for patients to brush their teeth at least three times a day and floss them at least once a day while the temporary crown is in place. Ideally, it is best to brush and floss your teeth after every meal. Gargling your mouth several times a day with an antibacterial mouthwash is also good practice. All this helps to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.

Returning to dentistry for a permanent crown

Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to our clinic to have the temporary crown removed and the permanent crown placed.

Dental crowns on the same day- Some patients may receive a dental crown on the same day. Instead of having crowns fabricated in a dental lab, dental crowns can actually be fabricated on the same day using advanced digital scanning and custom milling technology. There is no need for temporary crowns, and the process only takes one visit. During your consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if same-day dental crowns are right for you and your needs.

In conclusion, taking care of your temporary dental crown is crucial for ensuring its longevity and protecting your oral health. These caps serve as a protective measure while permanent crowns are being created. By following the above guidelines, you can ensure a successful temporary crown experience and maintain a healthy smile.