If your dentist has recommended a crown, you might end up wearing a temporary one first. It can feel like an extra step you weren’t expecting, but there’s a practical reason behind it. Your permanent crown is custom-made just for your tooth, and that takes time. The temporary crown is what protects your tooth while you wait.
Why You Need a Temporary Crown At All
Once your tooth’s been prepared for a crown, it’s more exposed and sensitive than usual. A temporary crown covers it up straight away, so you’re not walking around with a shaped-down tooth for weeks while the permanent one is made.
Here’s what a temporary crown actually does for you:
- Protects the prepared tooth from bacteria, food and everyday wear
- Reduces sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drink
- Keeps your bite and the surrounding teeth from shifting while you wait
- Lets you keep eating, talking and smiling normally in the meantime
Not Every Crown Needs a Temporary Step
Some crowns can be made and fitted on the same day using in-chair technology, which skips the temporary stage entirely. According to healthdirect, some types of crowns can be made and fitted on the same day, while others need a second visit to fit the final crown. Whether that applies to you depends on the technology your dentist uses and the type of crown being made.
For crowns made in an external dental laboratory, which is still common for many crown materials, a temporary crown is almost always part of the process. Your dentist takes an impression or scan at the first appointment, sends it off to be made, and fits you with a temporary in the meantime.
What Happens at Each Appointment
Getting a crown usually plays out over two main visits, sometimes with the temporary crown appointment folded into the first one.
Here’s the general order:
- First appointment: the tooth is reshaped, an impression or scan is taken, and a temporary crown is fitted to protect it
- Waiting period: usually one to two weeks, while your permanent crown is made to match your bite and tooth shade
- Second appointment: the temporary crown comes off, and the final one is checked for fit before being cemented in place
Crowns and bridges are elective treatments in many cases, and teeth.org.au notes that having a crown, bridge or veneer doesn’t mean the tooth is immune to further problems. It can still be affected by decay, so keeping up with regular checks matters just as much once the permanent crown is in.
Looking After Your Temporary Crown
A temporary crown isn’t as strong as the final one, so it needs a bit of extra care while it’s doing its job.
A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Avoid very sticky or chewy foods, since these can pull the temporary crown loose
- Steer clear of hard foods on that side of your mouth where possible
- Floss carefully around the temporary crown, sliding the floss out sideways instead of pulling it straight up
- Skip that side when brushing hard, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush
If your temporary crown comes off or feels loose, it’s best to contact your dental clinic rather than trying to fix it yourself or waiting until your next scheduled visit.
Temporary Crown vs Permanent Crown: What’s Actually Different
It’s easy to assume a temporary crown is just a rougher version of the real thing, but the materials and purpose are genuinely different.
A temporary crown is usually made from a lighter material like acrylic, shaped quickly to get you through the waiting period. A permanent crown is custom-made from a more durable material such as porcelain or a metal alloy, designed to last for years with proper care. The temporary is meant to hold things together short term. The permanent one is built for the long haul.
How Long Does a Temporary Crown Usually Last
Most temporary crowns are only in place for one to two weeks while the permanent crown is being made. This can vary depending on your dentist’s process and the type of crown you’re getting. If your temporary crown needs to stay in longer than expected, it’s worth checking in with your dentist, since it isn’t designed for extended day-to-day wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat Normally With a Temporary Crown?
You can generally eat normally, though it’s worth avoiding hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth. This can vary depending on how the temporary crown was fitted, so it’s best to follow your dentist’s specific advice.
What Happens If My Temporary Crown Falls Off?
If it comes off, contact your dental clinic as soon as you can rather than trying to reattach it yourself. Leaving the tooth uncovered for too long isn’t ideal, and the right next step can vary depending on your individual situation.
Does Getting a Temporary Crown Hurt?
Most people feel some mild sensitivity rather than pain, since local anaesthetic is usually used during the tooth preparation. This can vary between individuals, so it’s worth asking your dentist what to expect for your specific case.
Can a Temporary Crown Change Colour or Shape?
Temporary crowns are made from a different material to permanent ones and aren’t designed to be a perfect long-term match. Some minor changes over a couple of weeks are normal and not usually a concern, but you can check with your dentist if anything feels off.
Is a Temporary Crown Needed for Every Type of Crown Work in South Melbourne?
Not always. Some clinics use in-chair technology that allows a crown to be made and fitted the same day, skipping the temporary stage. Whether this applies to your treatment depends on the clinic and the type of crown involved, so it’s worth asking a dentist South Melbourne locals visit which approach they use.
Book a Crown Consultation to Discuss Your Options
If you’re due for a crown and want to know what your own appointment timeline might look like, the team at South Melbourne Dental Smiles, serving South Melbourne, Albert Park and Southbank, can talk you through it at a consultation. You can book an appointment online to get started.
