Temporary crowns are utilized for about 2 weeks while the permanent crown is being customized for your tooth. The temporary protects the tooth and holds its position during the interim so when the permanent crown returns from the dental lab it will fit beautifully.

The temporary crown is fragile and will not be as strong as the permanent crown. If it is broken or becomes dislodged, please call the office to schedule an appointment to have it replaced. You may carefully floss a temporary crown by pulling the floss down through the contact then straight out. Do not floss up and down as usual as this may dislodge the temporary crown.

If a crown does become dislodged, you may use Vaseline inside the crown so it will adhere to the tooth until you can call the office for an appointment. Most pharmacies also carry temporary dental cement that can be used inside the temporary crown until you can call the office for an appointment. If the tooth is not sensitive, you may even just place it back on the tooth without cement and remove it when eating. A tooth that has had a root canal will not be sensitive due to the crown coming off. For a tooth with an intact nerve (no root canal) will be sensitive after a crown preparation has been completed. This is normal and to be expected if the temporary crown does come off. Call the office if the sensitivity is more than expected.

It is common for the temporized teeth to be sensitive to hot, cold, pressure and sweets. Much of this is due to the preparation process, large dental decay being removed, etc. It can also be due to leakage at the margin. The bite on the temporary should also be checked at the office if you have excessive tenderness or pain. Anesthetic affects the feeling of your bite. If your bite does not feel balanced and even, once the dental anesthetic has worn off, please call the office for an adjustment. A balanced bite is very important. High bites lead to pain and sensitivity.

Rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz glass of water) can also be helpful to cleanse the area and aid the healing of irritated gum tissue.