How To Care for Your Temporary Crown

Whether you need a crown for your tooth or an implant, it can take time before your permanent restoration gets made. Fortunately, a temporary crown can help while you wait. Here’s what you should know about these restorations.

Most people have heard of a crown. These tooth-like caps are a common dental treatment used to cover a tooth or implant.

But did you know that you don’t get your permanent crown immediately? Instead, dentists place a temporary crown while your permanent restoration gets custom-made to your unique specifications.

Robert A. Scherrer, DMD, uses crowns to treat a variety of issues at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood, ranging from damage and decay to missing teeth.

While you wait for your permanent crown, Dr. Scherrer recommends taking these important steps to care for your temporary restoration.

Temporary versus permanent crowns

A temporary crown is an excellent way to fill the gap — sometimes literally! — while waiting for a permanent restoration.

Dr. Scherrer could place a temporary crown for several reasons, such as:

Protecting a worn-down, chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth
Covering a weakened tooth with a large filling
Finishing a root canal or dental implant procedure
Improving the appearance of stained, discolored, or misshapen teeth

A temporary crown resembles the appearance and function of a natural tooth. However, they’re typically less perfect and not as strong as a permanent restoration.

Plus, they’re meant to come out when Dr. Scherrer can complete your treatment. That means they’re not fixed in place as securely.

However, you need it to stay in place for two to three weeks or even longer for more extensive dental procedures, like implants. So, it’s essential to handle them with some care until your final appointment.

How to care for your temporary crown

Generally speaking, your temporary crown should fit and function like a regular tooth. But, remember, it also has to come out so Dr. Scherrer can place your permanent crown — which makes it easy to dislodge by accident.

Dr. Scherrer often recommends avoiding certain foods, such as:

Hard, crusty, or crunchy foods, like apples, raw carrots, or crusty breads
Tough meats, like steak
Popcorn, nuts, and ice
Corn on the cob
Hard candy or caramels

It’s also wise to pass on sugary foods and beverages since there can be space around a temporary crown that allows sugar to reach the tooth.

Similarly, very hot or cold items can interfere with how well the bonding agent holds the temporary filling in place.

Your temporary crown also requires a little TLC when it comes to brushing and flossing.

Practicing good oral hygiene with a temporary crown

As mentioned above, there can be some space between a temporary crown and your gumline. These areas increase the risk of bacteria reaching the tooth and causing tooth decay.

Fortunately, you can keep these problems at bay by brushing the area gently a little more often to ensure it stays clean. And, don’t forget to floss every day to get those nooks and crannies a toothbrush can’t reach.

However, take care while you brush and floss to avoid accidentally dislodging your temporary crown. Simply use gentle movements when working around the area, especially while flossing.

If you experience discomfort around the temporary crown or it comes out, contact Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood to determine the best course of action.

Do you need a crown? Contact Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood to schedule a consultation in Ridgewood, New Jersey, today.