What is the Purpose of a Temporary Crown?

A temporary crown is an integral component in a dental crown procedure. Also known as a provisional crown or interim crown, a temporary crown is used to protect the tooth when the permanent crown is being made in the lab. Temporary crowns are typically made from acrylic resins. If you are looking for a dentist who provides beautiful dental crowns, see what a crown from Cline Family Dentistry can do for you!

How a Temporary Crown Works

Before a dental crown is fabricated and installed, your tooth has to be prepared. Your dentist will file the tooth down over the sides and top to create room for the permanent crown. Afterward, he will take an impression of the filed tooth and send it to a dental lab for the creation of a permanent crown.

It can take at least two weeks for the permanent crown to be ready. In the meantime, the dentist has to place a temporary crown onto the tooth to protect it from further damage or decay. Besides preserving the tooth, the temporary crown also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting, shapes the gum tissue properly, prevents sensitivity, and upholds cosmetics.

When your permanent crown is ready, you’ll visit your dentist for the removal of the temporary crown and fitting of the permanent crown. It’s worth noting that your dentist can also use a temporary crown as a diagnostic test.

If your tooth is cracked and your dentist isn’t sure of the extent of the crack, he may place a temporary crown on the tooth. If the temporary crown makes you feel better, then it’s highly likely that the permanent crown will also work.

Caring for Your Temporary Crown

You should care for your temporary the same way you care for your natural teeth, including brushing and flossing regularly. It’s advisable not to eat anything for 30 minutes after the crown is installed. You want the cement to set in properly.

Try to avoid eating sticky foods and chewing gum on the side of the mouth with a temporary crown. The suction involved may pull the crown loose. Likewise, biting on hard objects and crunching on ice may crack the chewing surface of the temporary crown and damage the abutment, which can result in serious complications.

What Should You Do if Your Temporary Crown Falls Out?

If your temporary crown falls out prematurely before the permanent crown is ready, you should do the following:

• Remove it from your mouth immediately – You want to avoid biting, swallowing, or inhaling your crown accidentally.
• Examine the crown and your tooth – You want to know if the crown came off entirely or if it cracked. Also, check if a part of your tooth is attached to the crown. Your dentist may ask for these details when you call him.
• Call your dentist as soon as possible – You may need urgent attention when your permanent crown falls out, especially if it leaves your tooth cracked, or it comes off with a portion of your tooth.
• Heed your dentist’s advice – Your dentist may advise you to get some dental glue at your local pharmacy and use it to reattach the temporary crown by yourself. Be sure to follow the dentist’s instructions to avoid any complications.

In Conclusion

Temporary crowns protect the natural tooth from further damage or decay while the permanent crown is being crafted. They also ensure that the prepared tooth and the adjacent teeth don’t change positions before the permanent crown is fitted.

As temporary crowns do much more than just protecting the aesthetic appeal of your tooth as you await the permanent crown, you should take good care of it. Be sure to follow your dentist’s advice on how to wear and care for your temporary crown. If the crown falls off prematurely, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist.