You always leave the office with a temporary crown when you get to the dentist and have a crown done. It is a small but significant section on your tooth and this renders it very essential to maintain your tooth whenever you are having the permanent crown manufactured in a dental laboratory. The duration of life of such temporary crowns and how to keep them satisfactory is one of the questions which many people that are going to wear such crowns ask. Now we will have a more detailed look at what temporary crowns entail, how the temporary crowns can last and what you can do to make certain that the temporary crowns are safe and working until your last restoration is ready.

What Is a Temporary Crown?

A temporary crown is an interim restoration of the mouth in the shape of a crown which covers and seals a prepared tooth until a permanent crown is attached. It is normally made using the acrylic, resin or stainless steel depending on the location of the tooth and the choice of preference of a dentist.

As compared to permanent crowns of other materials like porcelain, zirconia and metal, temporary crowns are not that strong and durable. Their main purpose is to:

  • Protect the exposed tissue and tooth of the gum.
  • Prevent smiling pains.
  • Keep the teeth aligned.
  • Chew and speak normally on the temporary crown with the waiting period of the permanent crown.

How Long Can a Temporary Crown Last?

A temporary crown would normally be made to last two to three weeks, sufficient time to hold on until your permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory. However, a temporary crown can last at least one month or even longer in case there is a need provided that it is taken care of.

The dentists even make these crowns in a manner that they could be easily detached whenever the permanent one had to be installed. It is due to this that the cement is not as high as permanent crowns. It is due to this that when not maintained, temporary crowns easily loosen or are easily detached.

Factors That Affect How Long a Temporary Crown Lasts

  • The length of time your temporary crown will remain stable and functional is dependent on a number of factors:
  • Quality of the Material – Temporary crowns of high quality resin last longer as compared to those of soft structure such as acrylic.
  • Location in the Mouth The backs of the teeth Crowns on back teeth are at more points of pressure during chewing and may wear out more often.
  • Oral Habits- Biting Hard foods, grinding your teeth or using your teeth to open packets may harm the crown.
  • Type of Cement- Temporary dental cement is made to be weak so that it can be removed easily in the future, and this may affect the survival.
  • Oral Hygiene -Proper brushing and flossing of the teeth near the top of the gums and gums prevent decay and change of the gums.

How to Care for a Temporary Crown

Care is done so that your temporary crown remains safe and comfortable until your next dental appointment. Here are some key tips:

Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods

Avoid gum, caramel, nuts and crunchy snacks which will loosen or pop out your crown. You should take soft food during this time.

Be Gentle While Flossing

Slide floss and not pull up as you may remove the crown.

Brush Regularly

Keep on with your routine of brushing your teeth and this time use a soft-bristled toothbrush because you do not want to press too hard.

Not to Use that Side of the Mouth.

Provided there is a possibility so do chew on the other side to increase less stress on the temporary crown.

Watch for Signs of Loosening

In case you notice that the crown is slipping or unsteady, it is important to call your dentist. Do not attempt to glue it or use domestic adhesives.

What Happens If a Temporary Crown Falls Off?

In case your temporary crown slips off, there is nothing to worry about because this is a common phenomenon. Flush your mouth and get rid of any food particles, brush off the top of the crown gently and make a phone call to your dentist. They can order you to re-glue it in a temporary manner with over-the-counter dental glue that can be found at the pharmacies until you can see them in their office.

They need to have it replaced as early as possible since the exposed tooth may cause pain or even infection when exposed too long. Moreover, the teeth may also move out of position very fast and thus your permanent crown may not fit on the right spots.

How Long Can You Safely Keep a Temporary Crown?

Although a temporary crown is supposed to be used temporarily, in exceptional cases, it may be used as long as two months. This however, you should do under the supervision of your dentist. Prolonged use of a temporary crown predisposes one to:

  • Tooth decay under the crown.
  • Fracture or detachment of the crown.
  • Redness or swelling of the gums.
  • Mal-occlusion of the neighboring teeth.

And in case your permanent crown is not ready on time, your dentist can strengthen or replace the temporary one so that you can have protection.

When to Contact Your Dentist

You are advised to contact your dentist in case the following happen to you:

  • Constant pain or tenderness in the crown.
  • The crown is loose, or fissured, or detached.
  • Tinged or inflamed gums around the crown.
  • Poor taste or smell that may signify decadence or infection.

Larger dental issues can be avoided with early intervention and you will have a perfect fit with your final crown.

Final Thoughts

A temporary crown This is a significant crown restoration element, which is planned to take approximately two to three weeks. Though it is not as firm or strong as a permanent crown, it has the power to safeguard your tooth in a temporary period. Good oral health, not taking sticky foods and adhering to the instructions that your dentist has given you can guarantee you that your temporary crown will remain in place and functional until your permanent one is ready.