After a tooth is shaped for a porcelain crown, you are usually given a temporary crown while the final crown is made. Knowing how to look after it keeps the tooth protected until the work is finished.
- A temporary crown protects the shaped tooth and keeps its shape while the porcelain crown is being made.
- It is usually used for a few days to a few weeks and is not designed for long term use.
- Avoid chewy, sticky, hard food, chew on the other side and brush gently.
- If a temporary crown comes off, keep it and contact the clinic early, and do not stick it back with glue.
When having a porcelain crown, the dentist shapes the tooth, takes an impression and sends it away to make the crown, which takes some time. While you wait, the shaped tooth cannot be left bare, so you are fitted with a temporary crown, usually made of acrylic, to protect it and keep its shape.
What does a temporary crown do?
- It protects the shaped tooth from sensitivity and infection.
- It keeps the space so the neighbouring teeth do not lean in and the opposite tooth does not rise.
- It lets you chew and talk normally, without a gap, while you wait.
How long is it used?
Usually from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how long the porcelain crown takes to make. A temporary crown is not designed for long term use, so it is not durable and may come off, break or stain easily. You should return on schedule for the final crown to be fitted. See also whether shaping a tooth for a crown hurts.
What should you watch while wearing it?
- Avoid chewy, sticky and hard food such as toffee, ice and bones, which can pull off or break the temporary crown.
- Chew on the other side when you can, and cut food into small pieces.
- Brush gently and take care of the gum around the temporary crown.
- With floss, pull it out sideways instead of lifting it back up, so it does not pop the temporary crown off.
- Limit coffee, strong tea and smoking, since temporary crowns stain easily.
What if the temporary crown comes off or breaks?
If it comes off, keep the temporary crown, do not stick it back with random glue and contact the clinic early to have it refitted. Leaving a shaped tooth uncovered for long can cause sensitivity and infection and can make the final crown stop fitting. See also whether porcelain crowns harm teeth.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first if your temporary crown has a problem. For reference costs, see our price list, and note that cosmetic porcelain crowns are generally not covered by health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a temporary crown used?
Usually a few days to a few weeks, depending on how long the porcelain crown takes to make. It is not for long term use, so return on schedule for the final crown.
What if a temporary crown comes off?
Keep the crown, do not stick it back with random glue and contact the clinic early to have it refitted.
What should I eat and avoid with a temporary crown?
Eat soft food, chew on the other side and cut food small. Avoid chewy, sticky, hard food such as toffee, ice and bones.