Temporary Crowns

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.

Why You Need a Temporary Crown

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.

How Long Does a Temporary Crown Last?

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.

What To Do During the First 24 Hours with a Temporary Crown

The first day after your temporary crown placement is crucial. Here’s how to ensure everything sets properly:

• Skip sticky foods ⁠— Avoid gum, caramel, taffy, or anything chewy that can pull on the temporary cement holding your crown in place.

• Chew on the opposite side ⁠— Reducing pressure on your temporary crown prevents early dislodgement and discomfort.

• Control soreness ⁠— Mild soreness is normal and usually relieved by over-the-counter ibuprofen. However, ongoing or severe pain is not typical and means you should schedule a follow-up appointment at your dental office promptly.

Daily Care Tips for a Temporary Crown

Your crown needs a little daily attention until your permanent one arrives. Here’s exactly how to care for it.

Eating and Drinking

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:

• Yogurt or smoothies

• Pasta dishes or soups (warm, not hot)

• Soft fruits like bananas or cooked apples

Oral Hygiene

Good dental hygiene prevents complications like tooth decay or gum irritation around your crown. However, you’ll need to slightly adjust your routine:

1. Floss carefully ⁠— Gently slide your dental floss between your teeth, then pull it out sideways rather than upward to avoid pulling your crown loose.

2. Brush gently ⁠— Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, circular motions to clean near the gum line, ideally with a desensitizing toothpaste to minimize sensitivity.

3. Choose alcohol-free mouthwash ⁠— A gentle, alcohol-free rinse helps prevent plaque buildup without weakening the temporary cement.

Consistent and careful oral hygiene protects your crown and the tooth beneath until your next appointment.

What to Do When a Temporary Crown Breaks

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:

• Persistent throbbing pain

• Swelling around the gums

• Foul taste or odor from the crown area

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.

Costs and Insurance for Temporary Crowns

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.