Summary
Temporary dental crowns protect your tooth while you wait for a permanent one, but they require extra care. Eating soft foods, avoiding sticky items, and maintaining gentle oral hygiene help keep the crown in place and reduce discomfort. Knowing how to handle a loose crown and manage sensitivity can make the transition to your permanent crown much smoother.
Over 2.3 million dental crowns are placed each year in the United States. In most cases, people require a temporary crown before the permanent one is ready. But what do you do if a temporary crown falls off, causes pain, or feels loose?
Some people feel pain after a temporary crown; others may experience jaw or earaches. There could be a reason why your teeth hurts more after getting a temporary crown. And if your temporary crown comes off earlier than expected, knowing what to do next can help prevent a dental emergency.
Here’s everything you need to know about temporary crowns so you can keep your teeth safe until your permanent crown is ready.
What Is a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown protects your teeth while you wait for the permanent one to be made. They protect the tooth, reduce temporary crown sensitivity, and allow for normal chewing.
Dentists use temporary crowns while get your teeth ready for a permanent crown. Since the final crown takes 2–3 weeks to make, the temporary one keeps your tooth safe in the meantime.
While not as strong as a permanent crown, it prevents further damage, helps align surrounding teeth, and reduces discomfort.
When Do You Need a Temporary Dental Crown?
Dentists use temporary crowns in several situations:
- To Shield a Weakened Tooth: A crown holds a fragile tooth together if it’s cracked, decayed, or worn out.
- After a Root Canal: Treated teeth are more fragile, and a crown keeps them protected until the permanent one is placed.
- For Large Fillings: If a tooth lacks enough natural structure, a crown adds strength and stability.
- To Support a Dental Bridge: It keeps surrounding teeth in position before permanent bridgework is installed.
- For Cosmetic Purposes: It covers discoloration or irregular shapes to improve your smile.
- During Dental Implant Healing: If you’re waiting for an implant to heal, a temporary crown fills the gap and improves appearance.
These crowns help prevent pain, shifting, and breakage while the permanent one is being made.
What Are Temporary Crowns Made Of?
Temporary crowns are made from cheaper, stronger materials because they’re only meant to last a few weeks:
- Acrylic Resin (Plastic): Light, tooth colored, and easy to adjust.
- Composite Resin: Composite resin looks more natural than acrylic and is a bit stronger too.
- Metal (Aluminum or Stainless Steel): Often used for back teeth, which handle more pressure.
Dentists use temporary crown adhesive so they can take it off easily when it’s time to place the permanent one.
While not custom-made like permanent crowns, dentists can still make small adjustments for a better fit and comfort.
How Long Does a Temporary Crown Last?
A temporary crown isn’t designed for long-term use. It is used to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being prepared.
Most temporary crowns last 2 to 3 weeks, though in some cases, they may stay in place for up to a month or more.
What Affects Its Durability?
- Material: Acrylic and composite resins re softer and wear down faster than metal.
- Eating Habits: Hard or sticky foods can damage or dislodge the crown.
- Oral Hygiene: Good care helps the adhesive stay strong and prevents early loosening.
- Tooth Location: Crowns on back teeth get more pressure from chewing, so they might not last as long.
How Do You Care for Temporary Dental Crowns?
A temporary dental crown requires special care to prevent it from falling off. Here’s how to protect it until your permanent crown is ready:
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods can damage or loosen your temporary crown, or even pull it off.. Avoid the following:
- Sticky foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and taffy can pull the crown off.
- Hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, ice cubes, and raw carrots can cause cracks.
- Crunchy snacks: Granola, chips, and hard crusty bread can put too much pressure on the crown.
- Sugary treats: Excess sugar can increase the risk of decay around the crown.
- Spicy or acidic foods: Citrus fruits, hot sauces, and vinegar-based dressings may cause sensitivity.
- Extremely hot or cold foods: Ice cream or hot coffee can trigger discomfort.
Some people even report that the roof of their mouth hurts after eating spicy food. Sticking to mild, lukewarm options helps avoid irritation.
Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene
- Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around the temporary crown to prevent dislodgement.
- Flossing: When flossing, slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling it back up vertically to avoid loosening the crown.
Monitor Sensitivity
After a temporary crown, it is very common to have heightened sensitivity to hot or cold. If sensitivity continues or worsens, contact your dentist.
Chew Carefully
Avoid chewing on the side that has the crown to reduce the force and risk of dislodgement.
Maintain Regular Dental Visits
If you’re scheduled to replacing a temporary crown with a permanent one, be sure to keep your appointments. Let your dentist know right away if the crown becomes loose or falls off.
Fixing Temporary Crown Issues:
If you recently got a temporary dental crown, it’s normal to wonder what you can and can’t do while wearing it. For example, can you eat a burger with a temporary crown, or should you wait? Since a temporary crown isn’t as strong as a permanent one, it’s best to avoid biting into hard or chewy foods like burgers or raw vegetables. Soft foods are a better choice.
You might also ask, how long after a temporary crown can I eat? Most dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after placement to allow the adhesive to set properly.
Another common question is, can I use mouthwash with a temporary crown? Yes, but choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritating the area.
Knowing the difference between a temporary crown vs permanent crown helps. While both protect your teeth, temporary crowns are made of softer materials like acrylic or composite, which aren’t as durable. That’s why they can shift or fall off more easily.
If you notice sensitivity or discomfort, it may be caused by a bad temporary crown, which your dentist can adjust.
Taking extra care of your temporary crown can help you avoid problems while waiting for your permanent one.
What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Comes Off
Even with careful eating, a temporary crown may come loose. If that happens, don’t panic, follow these steps:
Immediate Actions:
- Remove the crown carefully: Take it out of your mouth to avoid swallowing it, especially if you’re worried about accidentally swallowing it.
- Check for damage: Look over both the crown and your tooth for cracks or missing pieces.
- Clean the area: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to prevent infection. Leaving a damaged temporary crown untreated can increase the risk of infection or decay.
Temporary Fixes Before Seeing a Dentist:
- Over-the-counter dental cement: Available at pharmacies, it can temporarily reattach your crown. Follow instructions carefully.
- Petroleum jelly or toothpaste: If dental cement isn’t available, a small amount inside the crown can help hold it in place briefly.
- Soft diet: Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soup.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t use super glue: it’s toxic and can harm your tooth.
- Don’t ignore it: an exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and shifting.
Call your dentist as soon as possible to have the crown properly reattached. Delaying treatment can cause discomfort and complications.
FAQs:
Can I Eat a Burger with a Temporary Crown?
Yes, but take precautions. Instead, cut the burger into smaller pieces and chew on the other side so as not to put pressure on the crown.
Can You Brush a Temporary Crown?
Yes, you can. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to clean the area around the crown without dislodging it.
Can I Use Mouthwash with a Temporary Crown?
Yes, but be sure to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid irritation or weakening of the temporary cement.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt More After Getting a Temporary Crown?
In rare cases, pain or sensitivity can occur if the nerve is irritated, if the fit is incorrect, or if there is an infection. If the discomfort doesn’t go away in a few days or gets worse, consult your dentist for an evaluation. For severe pain, here’s how to manage nerve pain quickly.
Conclusion:
Temporary crowns are an important part of getting a permanent crown. They protect your tooth and give your dentist the chance to make adjustments before final placement. If you experience issues, such as temporary crown sensitivity or loosening, use the tips above and contact your dentist if needed.
Taking proper care of your temporary dental crown will make the process smoother and more comfortable.
