Caring For Your Temporary Crown
Your final crown is being custom-made at our lab, so today you went home with a temporary crown. It protects the tooth and holds the space until your permanent crown is ready. A temporary is not as strong as the final, so treat it gently for these next couple of weeks.
The First Few Days
- Wait on the numbness. Avoid chewing until it resolves so you do not bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal. The temporary does not seal as completely as your final crown will.
- Tender gums around the tooth for a day or two are normal.
Flossing Around It
- Keep brushing normally, gently around the temporary.
- When you floss, pull the floss out sideways rather than popping it straight up. Lifting up can pull the temporary off.
Eating
- Avoid sticky and chewy foods like gum, caramel, and taffy that can pull the temporary off.
- Avoid hard foods like nuts and ice that can crack it.
- Chew on the other side whenever you can.
If It Comes Off
- Save the temporary and call us right away.
- Do not leave the tooth uncovered. Without it, the tooth will shift and your permanent crown may not fit.
- We will re-cement it or get you in quickly.
Call Us If
- Your temporary comes loose or falls off. Save it and call us.
- Your bite feels high or uneven once numbness wears off.
- Sensitivity or pain is getting worse rather than settling.
- You notice swelling or a bad taste, or anything concerns you.
How To Protect Your Temporary Until Delivery
This is a short-term phase. Your only job is to keep the temporary in place and the tooth healthy until your permanent crown is seated. A little care now means your final crown fits perfectly.
- Be gentle with it. Avoid sticky and hard foods and chew on the other side so it stays put.
- Keep it clean. Brush gently and floss by sliding out sideways so you do not lift it off.
- Keep your delivery appointment. The sooner your permanent crown is seated, the better. Leaving a temporary on too long risks the tooth shifting.
Treat it gently for these couple of weeks and your final crown will fit beautifully!
Questions about your temporary crown? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
