Temporary Crown

Temporary crown

A temporary crown is a temporary restoration of a tooth that has been prepared for permanent crown while it is in the process of being fabricated in a dental lab. It covers the tooth, helps maintain its shape and function, and enhances its appearance until the permanent crown is ready.

Temporary crowns are usually acrylic, or composite resin or stainless steel (usually for children's teeth). These typically last for 1-3 weeks, depending on treatment.

Why are Temporary Crowns used?

A temporary crown might be recommended by your dentist for:

• Keep a damaged or vulnerable tooth safe
• Temporarily desensitize teeth following preparation
• Do not dislodge the tooth until placed with the permanent crown.
• Re-establish chewing and speech ability.
• Keep the smile natural
• Seal a tooth following a root canal.
• Gives you the opportunity to see the crown shape and bite before the permanent restoration is placed

Temporary Crown Procedure

The typical steps to receive a temporary crown are:

• Tooth Preparation involves reshaping the tooth by removing a little enamel from it.
• Impression or Digital Scan: An impression or digital scan is made to make the permanent crown.
• Fabrication of temporary crowns is with tooth-colored resin or acrylic.
• Cementation: The temporary crown is cemented with temporary dental cement which will be easily removed in the future.
• Final Crown Placement: At the follow-up appointment, the temporary crown is taken off and the permanent crown is cemented.
• An overall appointment will last 60-90 minutes.

Advantages of a Temporary Crown

• Will physically shield the processed tooth from damage.
• Relieves pain and sensitivity
• Maintains correct alignment of the teeth.
• Restores chewing ability
• Improves smile aesthetics
• Fights against bacteria contaminating the tooth.
• Uses temporary crowns until permanent ones are ready

Temporary crown pain

Temporary crown pain is pain or sensitivity which may arise after the temporary dental crown is inserted. There is mild pain for the first 24-72 hours that is normal as the tooth and surrounding gum have been prepared for the crown. If they are bothered a lot or their pain is severe, however, they may have a problem that needs to be assessed by a dentist.

Temporary Crown Pain: Common Causes

Tooth Sensitivity

Once the tooth is prepared, the underlying dentin is exposed, and the tooth is sensitive to:

• Hot or cold foods and drinks
• Sweet foods
• Air exposure

Gum Irritation

The gums around the prepared tooth may become sore due to:

• Tooth preparation
• Placement of temporary crown,
• The temporary cement causes slight irritation.

High Bite

A temporary crown that is slightly higher than the natural bite can exert too much pressure on the tooth and cause any of the following types of pain:

• Biting down
• Chewing
• Clenching your teeth

Inflamed Tooth Nerve

If the tooth has been prepared extensively or there is deep decay, the dental pulp (nerve) can be stimulated and may result in:

• Throbbing pain
• Increased sensitivity
• Persistent pain following hot/cold temperatures

Loose or Damaged Temporary Crown

If the temporary crown is over the tooth preparation and is loose or cracked, it allows the following to occur:

• Sharp pain
• Increased sensitivity
• Discomfort while eating

Infection

While rare, pain can be caused by:

• A cavity that is not treated above the crown
• Tooth pulp (dental pulp) infection.
• A dental abscess

How long does a temporary crown last?

The goal of a temporary crown is to provide protection for the tooth for 1-3 weeks when your permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental laboratory. If further care is required, a temporary crown might only need to be in place for 6-8 weeks and is not meant to be a permanent restoration.

Temporary crowns are constructed from acrylic or composite resin, and placed with temporary dental cement. The crowns are not as strong as porcelain, zirconia or metal crowns, but they do provide protection for the prepared tooth and basic function.

A number of factors may affect the longevity of a temporary crown:

• Material used: Composite resin temporary crowns are generally more durable than acrylic ones.
• Where the tooth is in the mouth: The chewing forces on the crown of back teeth are higher.
• Diet: Sticky, hard or chewy food may loosen or damage the crown.
• Oral hygiene: Good brushing and flossing keeps the crown in place.
• Grinding or clenching (bruxism): Clenching or grinding can lead to a cracked or loose crown.
• Crown fit: Crowns that are not properly fitted or permanently cemented are less likely to remain in place until the permanent crown is ready.

Tooth crown temporary cement

Tooth crown temporary cement is the special dental cement designed to be used to hold a temporary crown in place on a tooth that has been prepared while the permanent crown is being made. Permanent dental cement does not allow for easy removal by the dentist during the next appointment; however, temporary dental cement has enough retention to hold the crown in place.

Temporary cement will seal the tooth, help to keep it from being sensitive, and keep food debris and bacteria from seeping in between the temporary crown and the tooth.

Why Is Temporary Dental Cement Used?

Temporary cement is used by dentists to:

• Protect the temporary crown until the permanent crown is ready to be put in.
• Keep prepared teeth safe from bacteria/bacterial decay.
• Lower sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods
• Don't allow the temporary crown to slide during use.
• Easily remove without harming the tooth.

Various temporary crown cements 

There are several types of temporary dental cements that are commonly used, such as:

Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE) Cement

• Has a calming effect on the nerve of the tooth
• Good sealing/closure features
• May not be appropriate prior to some resin-based permanent cements (may interfere with bonding)

Non-Eugenol Zinc Oxide Cement

• Usually used when there will be a subsequent application of a resin-based permanent cement
• Provides reliable retention
• Will not affect adhesive bonding

Resin-Based Temporary Cement

• Provides greater retention than conventional temporary cements.
• May be chosen for longer periods of temporary rehab.
• Easy to remove from the mouth by the dentist if necessary

How to Use Temporary Crown Cements?

Usually, the procedure involves:

• To clean and dry the prepared tooth.
• Placing a small amount of temporary cement in the temporary crown.
• Firmly placing the crown over the tooth.
• Removing excess cement around the edges.
• Checking and adjusting the bite if necessary.
• This generally takes a few minutes.

Can you eat with temporary crowns?

Yes, you can eat with temporary crowns but there are types of food you should steer clear of while wearing temporary crowns. Temporary crowns are temporary in nature and serve to protect the prepared tooth until a permanent crown can be constructed but are not as strong or securely attached as permanent crowns. 

Conclusion

A temporary crown is a crucial step in the dental crown process serving as a temporary protective measure for a tooth until a permanent crown is created. This can help to decrease sensitivity, restore basic chewing and speaking abilities and keep the tooth from moving or changing color. Temporary crowns are strong enough to endure normal wear and tear but do need a little extra care to avoid looseness or damage. To ensure the success of your temporary crown and protect it from dislodging until the permanent crown is in position, avoid hard, sticky foods, maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and follow your dentist's advice. Your temporary crown must fit well and be pain free, if either of these is not the case, please see your dentist as soon as possible for examination and treatment.

Temporary crown in India GetWellGo

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FAQs

Does a temporary crown hurt?

• Yes. Generally, mild discomfort or sensitivity is experienced for the first few days following placement. If the pain, swelling or pain worsening is severe, it should be evaluated by your dentist.

If a temporary crown comes off what should I do?

• If the crown comes off, place it in a clean container and seek the dentist's attention immediately. Do not chew on the exposed tooth and do not put glue at home on the crown to reattach it.

May I brush and floss with a temporary crown?

• Yes. Floss gently by sliding the floss out to the side not up; brush around the crown;

Can I drink coffee with a temporary crown?

• Yes, but extremely hot coffee can make you more sensitive. In addition, temporary crowns may stain easily, compared to permanent ceramic crowns and so moderation is recommended.

Is it possible for a temporary crown to loosen?

• Yes. These temporary cements can loosen during the day or when eating sticky/hard foods, so a temporary crown may have to be replaced. In case it gets loose, please contact your dentist for re-cementation.

What if I am unable to get my permanent crown?

• If you have a temporary crown, putting it on too late may worsen the likelihood of the temporary crown breaking or falling, causing tooth sensitivity, decay, gum irritation and/or tooth position changes that could affect the fit of the permanent crown.