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It often takes a few days or weeks for a permanent dental crown to be fabricated. During that time, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown.
A temporary dental crown is not as precise or customized as a laboratory-made crown. However, it offers temporary protection for the tooth so you can eat and speak comfortably. Here's exactly what you need to know to keep it safe, comfortable, and in place.
A temporary crown is a protective cover placed over your prepared tooth as a placeholder while your final, permanent crown is custom-crafted in a dental laboratory.
Typically made from acrylic resins or composite materials, this serves as a barrier against bacteria, keeps your bite stable, and protects your tooth from sensitivity and damage.
Most temporary crowns are designed to last about one to three weeks, as the materials used are intentionally softer and more fragile than your final crown.
However, sometimes delays happen, like lab production times or scheduling your final dental procedure. So, treating your temporary crown gently helps ensure it stays secure and comfortable.
Here's a brief overview of the timeline ahead:
| Step | Typical Timeframe | What to Expect |
| Dental lab fabrication | One to three weeks | Lab technicians craft your crown |
| Fitting appointment | 30 to 60 minutes | Dentist checks fit, makes adjustments |
| Permanent cementation | Same day as fitting | Securely placed, final adjustments made |
Keeping these steps in mind ensures you understand the process clearly and can plan around any necessary dental appointments.
The first day after your temporary crown placement is crucial. Here's how to ensure everything sets properly:
Your crown needs a little daily attention until your permanent one arrives. Here’s exactly how to care for it.
Stick to softer foods that won't strain your crown. Ideal choices include yogurt, pasta, scrambled eggs, or cooked vegetables.
Avoid temperature extremes—very hot coffee or ice-cold drinks—as these can cause temporary sensitivity or discomfort to the prepared natural tooth underneath.
Safe snacks include:
Good dental hygiene prevents complications like tooth decay or gum irritation around your crown. However, you’ll need to slightly adjust your routine:
Consistent and careful oral hygiene protects your crown and the tooth beneath until your next appointment.
Even with the best intentions, issues can occasionally arise with your temporary crown. If your crown pops off, don't panic.
Rinse it gently under water, apply a small dab of denture adhesive or even toothpaste inside the crown, and gently reseat it on your tooth.
This DIY solution is only temporary—call your dental professional immediately for a proper reattachment at your next available appointment.
Should you notice cracks or chips, smooth over any sharp edges temporarily with orthodontic wax (available at drugstores), and get to the dentist soon to avoid further issues or discomfort.
Most importantly, watch out for red-flag symptoms:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's critical to seek emergency dental care promptly, as these could signal infection or other complications needing urgent professional attention.
You may wonder about the costs if your temporary crown breaks or falls out completely. Usually, dentists build the cost of your temporary into the overall crown procedure fee, so minor repairs or reattachments may incur little or no extra charge.
However, if the temporary must be completely remade, costs typically range from around $100 to $300.
Insurance generally covers the temporary as part of your crown placement package, but specifics vary widely. Always double-check with your dental office about how your plan handles provisional crowns.
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