Temporary Crown

Caring for Your Temporary Crown

Your temporary crown is doing an important job: protecting your prepared tooth and keeping things in place until your permanent crown is ready. It is not built to last as long as the final restoration, so a little extra care over the next couple of weeks will help it stay put and do its job. Here is how to look after it.

Skip the Hard and Sticky Stuff

While you have the temporary crown in, steer clear of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Things like nuts, popcorn, hard candy, caramel, gum, and chewy bread can all pull a temporary crown loose or damage it. A softer diet for now is the safer route.

Chew on the Other Side

Try to do most of your chewing on the opposite side of your mouth from the temporary crown. Less pressure on that tooth means less chance of the crown shifting or coming off before your next visit.

Be Gentle When You Clean

Keep brushing and flossing as usual, just take it a little easier around the temporary. A soft-bristle toothbrush and a careful hand will keep things clean without putting the crown at risk.

A Smarter Way to Floss

When you floss near the temporary crown, slide the floss down between your teeth and then pull it out to the side rather than snapping it back up. Pulling straight up can lift the crown right off along with the floss.

Watch Your Mouthwash

Mouthwashes high in alcohol can weaken the temporary cement holding your crown in place. If you like to rinse, choose an alcohol-free option for the time being.

Avoid Very Hot Drinks

Extremely hot drinks can also soften the cement. Try to let coffee, tea, or soup cool down a bit before sipping. Alcohol and tobacco are best avoided during this stretch as well, since both can slow healing and irritate the area.

Sensitivity Is Normal

A little sensitivity to hot and cold for the first few days is common after a temporary is placed. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if you need them, taken according to the package directions.

Keep the Area Clean

If a bit of food finds its way around or under the crown, gently rinse with warm water or carefully use floss to clear it out. Keeping the area clean helps prevent irritation and keeps the underlying tooth healthy.

Call Us If Something Feels Off

If your temporary feels loose, falls out completely, or you start having ongoing pain, give Perfect Smile Dental Care a call as soon as you can. A quick visit to re-cement or adjust it is much easier than dealing with a bigger issue down the line.

Don't Skip Your Next Visit

Be sure to come in for your follow-up appointment so we can place your permanent crown on schedule. Temporaries are only meant to last for a short window, and pushing the visit back can lead to extra problems.