Your Temporary Crown
While your permanent restoration is being fabricated, you’ll wear a temporary crown. The color of the plastic temporary crown does not resemble the final crown in any way, though its shape and size are customized to protect the tooth. You may notice some sensitivity to temperature and sweets.
Caring for Your Temporary Crown
- The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set — please do not chew during that time.
- Avoid sticky foods, gum, and candies that could dislodge the temporary crown.
- Temporary crowns are not strong and may occasionally break or come off. If this happens, contact our office immediately, or use over-the-counter Fixodent to temporarily stabilize it.
- Please do not leave the temporary crown out of your mouth — without it, your teeth may shift and the permanent crown may not fit.
- Brush and floss gently around the temporary crown.
- Keep your scheduled appointment for your final crown; delays may result in additional costs.
After Final Cementation
- Avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after cementation.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement fully sets.
What to Expect
Your new crown may feel tight or as though it’s pushing against neighboring teeth for several hours — this discomfort resolves within a day or two. Sensitivity to hot and cold is common and typically resolves within 7–10 days. Deeper cavities may result in increased sensitivity.
If sensitivity persists or increases, please schedule an adjustment appointment for bite refinement and a cement removal evaluation.
Oral Hygiene
Follow the prescribed oral hygiene routine: brush at a 45-degree angle twice a day, and floss once a day, to avoid cavities or gum disease around your new crown. Flossing is especially important in preserving the health of your crown or bridge.
Adjusting to Your New Restoration
The finished restoration may be contoured slightly differently and have a different texture than your original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference at first, but you’ll become accustomed to it within a few days.
Questions? Call our Henderson office at (702) 212-6641.