Temporary dental crowns are meant for temporary use and last about 2 to 3 weeks. They act as placeholders while your permanent dental crown is being fabricated and fitted. During this interim period, they protect your teeth and maintain their function and aesthetics, keeping your oral health and smile intact.
For patients with tooth damage, temporary crowns provide an appropriate treatment. They are glued on to shield the tooth, whether for a single tooth or a bridge across implants, until the permanent option is ready.
Warning: Your Tooth Needs a Temp Crown – Here’s Why!
If your natural tooth has suffered damage and needs a dental crown, you will likely be given a temporary crown initially. A temporary crown is used to protect and restore the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Since creating a permanent crown can take several weeks to match your exact measurements, your dentist will insert the temporary crown to ensure the tooth remains protected until the permanent crown is ready and available.Dental crowns might be necessary for various reasons.
- Protect a weak tooth from decay or breaking.
- Replace a broken or worn-out tooth to restore function.
- Cover a filling where there is not much tooth left to protect or shield.
- Hold a dental bridge in place to fill gaps between teeth or cover a dental implant.
- Improve appearance by covering teeth that are discolored or unattractive.
- Safeguard natural teeth and gums, reduce sensitivity, and assist in normal chewing and eating
The Building Blocks of Your Temporary Crown
When you’re waiting for your permanent dental crowns, your dentist will fit you with temporary dental crowns for short-term use. These essential protective covers and placeholders are typically crafted from acrylic, composite resins, or metallic material like stainless steel. They’re secured using special temporary dental cement, sometimes called dental crown glue or tooth crown glue, which keeps them firmly in place until your permanent restoration arrives.
In my years of practice, I’ve found that while each material has its merits, acrylic-based temporaries tend to offer the best balance of durability and comfort for most patients. Having placed thousands of these interim solutions, I can attest to their remarkable ability to protect vulnerable teeth during the transition period.
Temp Crown Ticking Clock: Don’t Let It Fail!
A temporary dental crown can last anywhere from several weeks to up to a year, depending on whether it’s a routine or customized crown. Typically, semi-durable plastic materials are used for temporary crowns, and they are designed for temporary use, generally lasting 2 to 3 weeks. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a lab to create the crown. This allows you to have a crown in place while your permanent dental crown is being made.
The durability of the crown depends on factors like the materials (such as acrylic or stainless steel) and how well they can withstand daily wear. Oral habits, the location of the crown, and how careful you are with hard foods, sticky foods, and your oral hygiene also affect its lifespan. With proper care and by following your dentist’s recommendations, a temporary crown can function effectively as a placeholder until your final crown is ready.
How to Care for Temporary Dental Crowns: 3 Tips for Success!
Take similar care with your temporary crown as you would with your natural teeth, like brushing your teeth two times daily and flossing. Since this crown is not permanent, make sure to brush and floss carefully to avoid the crown detaching.
- Steer clear of foods that are hard or sticky. It’s best to avoid things like hard candy, nuts, caramel, apples, and other foods that may be tough on your temporary dental crown.
- Minimize sugar intake. Sugar can easily sneak into the spaces around your temporary dental crown, potentially leading to tooth decay.
- Stay away from extreme temperatures in your food and drinks. Very hot or very cold items can cause stress on your temporary dental crown, potentially weakening it over time.
What If the Temporary Crown Falls Off?
If your temporary crown falls off, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. They will typically replace it with another temporary crown. If you can’t get to your dentist immediately, you can use a home tooth repair kit as a short-term solution, but make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for a proper replacement.
6 Key Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Temporary Crowns!
Quality of Materials Used
The quality of materials in temporary crowns affects their lifespan. Made of acrylic or composite resin, these are reliable for short term use but less sturdy than porcelain or metal in permanent crowns. While lightweight and easy to manipulate, they can chip or wear out over time. The longevity depends on the quality and fabrication, with premium materials offering better durability and aesthetics.
Adhesive Strength
The adhesive strength used for temporary crowns is much weaker compared to permanent crowns, which makes it easier to remove the temporary crown when the permanent crown is ready. However, this also means that temporary crowns are more prone to falling off with even less force. While stronger adhesives offer better retention, they can make the removal process more difficult when the time comes to replace them.
Oral Hygiene Practices
Oral hygiene is paramount for extending the lifespan of temporary crowns. Brushing and flossing help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup around the crown margins, reducing decay and gum disease. Proper habits in your daily routine safeguard the crown’s integrity, while rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash helps maintain long-term health.
Chewing Habits and Diet
Your chewing habits and dietary choices play a big role in the longevity of your temporary dental crown. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like nuts, candies, and gum, as they can cause the crown to come loose or break. To minimize stress on the crown, try to chew on the side of your mouth opposite the temporary restoration. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps improve the strength and resilience of both your natural teeth and dental restorations, ultimately prolonging their lifespan.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can significantly shorten the life of a dental crown. The constant pressure and friction from grinding can cause the crown to damage, wear down, or even break over time. If you tend to grind your teeth, it’s important to inform your dentist. They may recommend using a protective night guard to shield the crown from the harmful effects of bruxism.
Proper Placement and Fit
The placement and fit of your temporary crowns are critical in determining their durability and longevity. A precise fit and secure placement help improve the overall comfort of your restoration. These factors also minimize the risk of issues like loosening or dislodgement, ensuring that the crown stays in place for a longer time.
How Long Can a Temporary Crown Last? Find Out Now!
Temporary crowns are typically utilized while the lab prepares your permanent crown, taking 3 to 21 days. However, they can endure longer if the dentist has to postpone the placement due to periodontal or endodontic therapy. You can wear the crown for extended periods as long as it’s well cleaned and modified.
Top Signs Your Temporary Crown Might Be Failing
- Temperature sensitivity: If you feel unusual sensitivity to hot or cold around the crown, it could mean the seal isn’t secure enough, allowing temperature changes to affect the underlying tooth.
- Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort may signal that the crown isn’t fitting correctly, which can cause irritation to the gums or underlying tooth.
- Looseness: A loose or wobbly crown indicates that the cement may have failed, and it may need to be re-cemented or replaced to avoid further complications.
- Visible damage: Cracks, chips, or other forms of damage to the crown should be addressed immediately to prevent the crown from breaking completely or harming the tooth underneath.
- Swelling or inflammation: If the gums around the crown are swollen or inflamed, this could point to infection or irritation caused by the crown, making it necessary to consult your dentist for repair or replacement.
Steps to Follow:
If your crown has already come off:
- Gently remove the crown to avoid swallowing it.
- Clean both the crown and the exposed tooth area using a toothbrush.
- Protect the exposed tooth with dental wax or temporary dental cement until you can see your dentist for professional help.