Temporary Crowns: What to Expect Before Your Permanent Crown is Placed
A dental crown restores the shape and function of a damaged tooth. A temporary crown protects the tooth while a permanent one is being made. Most patients receive a temporary crown after their first appointment. This short-term solution keeps the tooth safe until the permanent crown is ready.
Why Temporary Crowns Are Necessary
Temporary crowns are placed to shield and support your tooth during the wait for your permanent crown. They help prevent discomfort and keep your tooth from shifting.
Key Benefits of Temporary Crowns
- Cover and protect reshaped teeth
- Prevent tooth sensitivity and exposed nerves
- Stop neighboring teeth from shifting
- Made from materials like acrylic or stainless steel
- Provide a short-term solution while your permanent crown is crafted
What Happens During the First Appointment
The first appointment involves preparing your tooth for a crown. Your dentist reshapes the tooth and removes any decay to ensure a proper fit for the crown.
Steps Taken in the First Visit
- Your dentist reshapes and cleans the tooth
- An impression is taken for your custom crown
- The impression is sent to a dental lab
- A temporary crown is placed using temporary cement
What You Can Expect With a Temporary Crown
Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones. While they look like natural teeth, it’s important to treat them with care to avoid complications.
Common Experiences and Tips
- Mild pressure or discomfort may occur
- You should avoid chewing hard or sticky foods
- Temporary crowns are meant to last only a few weeks
- Call your dentist if pain persists or the crown feels loose
Eating With a Temporary Crown
Your eating habits matter while wearing a temporary crown. Certain foods can damage or dislodge it, leading to unnecessary discomfort or delays.
Foods to Avoid and Recommended Choices
- Avoid hard or sticky foods
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Stick to soft foods like soup, eggs, or pasta
- Avoid chewing gum or hard candy
Caring for Your Temporary Crown
Proper oral hygiene helps keep your temporary crown secure and your tooth protected. Be gentle but thorough in your daily care routine.
Maintenance Tips
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Be gentle around the crown when brushing
- Avoid snapping floss straight up — instead, slide it out sideways
- If the crown falls off, save it and contact your dentist
- Never attempt to glue it back yourself
How Long You Will Wear It
The time you’ll wear your temporary crown depends on how long the dental lab takes to create the permanent one. Most patients wear them for 1 to 3 weeks.
What to Know About Timing
- Most patients wear it for 1 to 3 weeks
- Your dentist will schedule your return visit
- Delays can happen if adjustments are needed
What Happens if You Delay Your Second Appointment
Delaying the placement of your permanent crown can lead to serious dental issues. It’s important to follow your dentist’s recommended timeline.
Risks of Delaying Your Final Crown
- The temporary crown may wear down or break
- Teeth can shift, affecting the fit of your permanent crown
- Your tooth may become sensitive or more prone to damage
- A new impression may be required, delaying treatment further
Placing the Permanent Crown
The final appointment involves removing the temporary crown and placing the permanent one. The dentist will ensure a proper fit before cementing it in place.
What to Expect at Your Final Visit
- The dentist removes the temporary crown
- The area is cleaned and examined
- The permanent crown is checked for fit
- It is then cemented in place
- You can usually eat and speak normally the same day
Risks of Not Using a Temporary Crown
Skipping a temporary crown can expose your tooth to avoidable problems. Always follow your dentist’s guidance to maintain your oral health.
Potential Complications
- Higher chance of tooth infection or decay
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Risk of teeth shifting out of alignment
- Delays in permanent crown placement and additional costs
When to Call Your Dentist
Monitoring your temporary crown is essential. If something feels off, don’t wait. Reach out to your dental office right away.
Signs You Should Call
- The crown feels loose
- You experience ongoing pain
- Swelling develops around the crown
- Discomfort lasts more than a few days
Trust Your Local Edmonton Dentist for Crown Care
At Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental, patients receive care with precision and professionalism. Dr. Rodgers and her team provide expert guidance through every stage of the crown process.
From temporary placement to final cementing, their focus is on protecting your oral health and delivering long-lasting results. Located in Edmonton, Canada, their clinic offers complete crown care solutions for lasting comfort and function.
Ready to schedule your crown appointment? Visit Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental to book your visit today. Your smile deserves expert care.