Your temporary crown is meant to only serve your needs while a permanent crown is being made. The temporary crown is intended to protect the underlying tooth structure and preserve the position and health of the gums for the final restoration. It is normal for the temporary crown to vary in color, shape and size from your final crown.
Temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set. Please do not eat on it during that period of time, and do your best to avoid eating on the side of the temporary until the permanent crown is placed.
If your tooth does not already have a root canal, you may notice sensitivity to heat, cold, sweets or hard crunchy foods. In most cases, patients typically experience only mild discomfort after a tooth is prepared for the crown. This discomfort should gradually resolve over time as long as the nerve inside the tooth is healthy. These sensations should reduce when your custom-made crown is in place and as your mouth gets used to its new crown. In some cases (approximately 15-20% of the time), a crowned tooth will require a root canal, as a result of an unfavorable response of the nerve to the crown preparation. If you experience unprovoked spontaneous pain while in your temporary crown, contact the office so that we may evaluate the tooth for a root canal procedure.
If you don’t have any medical contraindications to taking NSAIDs, you can take 600 mg of Ibuprofen (also Motrin, Naproxen, Advil) before the anesthetic completely wears off. This will help with any soreness or pain. You may also use sensitivity toothpaste.
Avoid chewing gum, nuts, hard candies and sticky foods until the permanent crown is placed.
Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. It’s important to keep the area clean -- but use caution.
Floss by coming down through the top of the teeth and then remove the floss by pulling it out from the side (do not snap floss up and down around the temporary crown - this could pull it off).
Temporary crowns are not strong and may occasionally break or come off. If the temporary comes off, attempt to slip it back into place. You can also use toothpaste or store-bought temporary cement to adhere the temporary crown. If you are unable to position it in place or affix it to the tooth, please notify our office, so that we can schedule a time to recement it, or remake it if necessary. Please do not leave the temporary crown out of your mouth. Without it, teeth and gums may move and the permanent crown may not fit.
A healthy and beautiful smile is not only an attractive asset, it is essential to your overall well-being. At Alta Dental, you will receive the finest quality dental care delivered in an environment that is both comfortable and caring.
With today’s array of sophisticated and modern dental technology even the most challenging smiles can be transformed into ones that dazzle. We use the most advanced techniques to provide all our patients with outstanding results! Come check us out today!
