At the first appointment for a new crown or a crown and bridge procedure, a temporary crown will be placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while your custom restoration is fabricated by our dental lab.
Temporary, or provisional, crowns are of a universal size and shade, and they serve a cosmetic function for front teeth. Your final restoration will be custom shaped and shaded to match your teeth. Temporary crowns are designed to function adequately for two to four weeks and are not a permanent restoration.
Avoid chewing in the area of the temporary crown. Since most people tend to forget this, the next best thing to do is to watch what you eat. Don't eat anything sticky that can dislodge the temporary.
Temporary cement holds a temporary crown in place so that it can be easily removed when the final restoration is ready for placement. If your temporary crown comes off between appointments, slip it back into place and call the office immediately. You may want to put a very small amount of Vaseline around the edges of the temporary prior to resealing it.
It is extremely important that you keep the temporary crown on at all times. Being without your temporary crown can allow the tooth to shift and prevent the permanent crown from fitting properly.
After your final crown is in place, if it extends between the gum and tooth, you may experience some discomfort for a few days. Your gums must become accustomed to the new restoration. Sensitivity to cold and pressure are also possible.
Expect a few days of adjustment to your new crown or bridge. If you feel your bite is not correctly balanced, be sure to call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration.
