What is a Temporary Crown?

A permanent crown solution takes time. To fill up this interim period when the permanent crown is in the making, dentists need to provide for a temporary solution so that the patients can continue their normal functions of eating and speaking without any hassle. This is made possible by the use of a temporary crown. It might not resemble the natural tooth regarding color but as a temporary solution, it does its job efficiently. The cement used to fix these crowns is of temporary durability and can be removed easily.

Let us first try to understand what these dental crowns are. Dental crowns provide structural support and protect both natural teeth and implants. Crowns are accessories to fix worn out teeth that have lost lustre, color and strength. These are usually prescribed when all the tooth have been lost/damaged. They also support bridges which are used to substitute for missing teeth.

The making of dental crowns:

In the initial two appointments, the temporary crowns will be fit. An X-ray will be done to check for any decay. That would be first treated, and then the natural tooth will be filed on the sides and the top. Another photograph of the filed tooth will be taken, and this impression shall be used in the dental laboratory for creating a permanent crown. This process would take around 2-3 weeks. This is the time span when the dentist would fit a temporary crown to protect the sensitive tooth. Once the permanent crowns arrive, these temporary fits are removed and substituted. The cement that is used in the case of temporary crowns is easy to rupture and do not have the adhesion strength of permanent crowns. Temporary crowns are usually made of metal/plastic. Permanent crowns use high-grade porcelain and even gold sometimes.

Taking care of temporary crowns:

Before the permanent crowns are available for use, the temporary crowns will have to be worn for the 2-3 weeks of time. Since they are temporary, proper care needs to be taken to ensure they stay put in their place and the cement does not break down. Also, no bacterial growth should take place.

• Do not eat for at least 1 hour post the temporary fix.
• Chew gently and choose soft foods.
• Keep your gluttonous side at bay for the impending week – avoid steaks and candies and ice.
• Brush regularly but do not be rough on your teeth.
• Opt for a soft bristled toothbrush.
• Floss when required but make sure you avoid the temporary crown while flossing.
• Rinse with an oral debriding agent.
• Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride.
• If by chance, the temporary fix gets dislodged, contact your dentist immediately.

Caring for temporary crowns is not rocket science. They are effective solutions till you get your permanent fix done and protect your teeth from further issues. Crowns are usually durable and will be the best substitutes for natural teeth.

However, it is important to replace the temporary crown with a permanent one as soon as possible. This is because teeth have a natural tendency to move and this will make all the previous impressions futile. The permanent crown that is being made will not fit your teeth any more. Hence 2-3 weeks is the optimum period for a temporary crown to be used. Temporary crowns are safe and do not cause any problems unless we are careless.