Eating, Brushing, and Flossing: Your Guide to Temporary Crown Care

Getting a dental crown is a wonderful way to restore the strength, function, and appearance of a damaged tooth. However, before your permanent custom crown is ready, you will need to wear a temporary one. If you have recently visited our practice in Cincinnati or Mason, you might be wondering how to navigate meals and oral hygiene with this new addition to your smile.

Temporary crowns play a crucial role in protecting your prepared tooth. They are a common part of many restorative dental procedures, especially after treatments like root canal therapy. Because they are designed to come off eventually, they require a special level of care to ensure they stay in place while your permanent restoration is being crafted in the dental laboratory.

Proper temporary crown care does not have to be complicated. With a few simple adjustments to your eating habits and your daily oral hygiene routine, you can keep your temporary crown safe and comfortable. Here is everything you need to know about caring for your temporary dental crown.

Why Do I Need a Temporary Crown?

When a tooth is prepared for a permanent crown, the enamel is shaped so the new crown can fit perfectly over it. This process leaves the underlying, sensitive layers of the tooth exposed. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a temporary restoration protects the exposed dentin, prevents shifting of the adjacent teeth, and maintains the health of your gum tissue.

Typically, you will wear your temporary crown for about two to three weeks. Since the cement used to hold it in place is intentionally weak, knowing how to treat the crown during this waiting period is essential. A little caution goes a long way in preventing an unexpected dental visit.

What Should I Eat (and Avoid) With a Temporary Crown?

One of the most common questions we hear at Kings Dental is about food. What can you safely eat without dislodging or breaking your temporary crown? The general rule of thumb is to stick to softer foods and avoid anything that requires heavy chewing power.

First, it is incredibly important to wait at least 30 minutes after your appointment before eating anything. This gives the temporary cement enough time to set properly. Once you are ready to eat, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to minimize the pressure on your temporary crown.

Your temporary crown is made from acrylic or composite materials, which are not as strong as your natural teeth or your final porcelain crown. Being mindful of your diet is the best way to prevent damage.

Here are some dietary guidelines to follow while waiting for your permanent crown:

• Avoid sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and gummy candies are notorious for grabbing onto temporary crowns and pulling them right off the tooth.
• Skip hard and crunchy foods: Nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and tough crusty bread can easily crack the temporary material.
• Watch the temperature: Your tooth might be a bit sensitive to temperature changes right after the procedure. Try to avoid extremely hot soups or ice-cold beverages for the first few days.
• Enjoy soft, nutritious options: Stick to a soft diet. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and soups are all excellent, safe choices.

How Do I Brush and Floss Around a Temporary Crown?

Just because your crown is temporary does not mean you can skip cleaning it. In fact, keeping the area free of plaque and food debris is vital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical for preventing gum inflammation, which can complicate the placement of your final restoration.

You should absolutely continue to brush and floss, but you will need to tweak your technique slightly to avoid accidentally popping the crown off.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Brush the area gently. Aggressive scrubbing can irritate your gums and potentially loosen the temporary cement. Take your time and use soft, circular motions.
• Modify your flossing technique: This is the most important adjustment. When you floss around the temporary crown, gently work the floss down between the teeth as usual. However, instead of pulling the floss back up to remove it, let go of one end and slide the floss out through the side. Pulling upward can easily hook the edge of the crown and dislodge it.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash: Swishing gently with mouthwash can help clear away bacteria and food particles around the margins of the temporary crown, keeping your gums healthy and ready for your permanent crown appointment.

What If My Temporary Crown Falls Off or Hurts?

Even with the best temporary crown care, accidents can happen. If your temporary crown comes loose or falls off completely, there is no need to panic. However, you should not ignore it either, as the exposed tooth will be sensitive and could shift out of alignment.

If the crown falls out intact, gently rinse it off and keep it safe in a small container. Call our office right away so we can recement it for you. If you cannot make it to the office immediately, you can find temporary dental cement or dental wax at most pharmacies to hold it in place temporarily. Never use household glue or adhesives in your mouth.

If the crown fractures or chips, you might be dealing with a broken dental crown situation. Keep the area clean and contact us for a replacement temporary to ensure your tooth remains fully protected.

Regarding pain, mild sensitivity to hot and cold or slight tenderness in the gums is completely normal for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can typically manage this minor discomfort. However, if you experience severe, throbbing pain that keeps you awake, or if your bite feels noticeably high or uneven, you may need emergency dental care. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team if you are concerned.

Ready for Your Permanent Smile?

Taking care of a temporary crown requires a bit of patience, but it is a very short-term commitment. By avoiding sticky and hard foods, brushing gently, and using the slide-out flossing technique, you will keep your temporary restoration secure until your permanent crown is ready to shine.

If you have any questions about your ongoing treatment or need to schedule your next appointment, our team is always here to help. Schedule a visit at Kings Dental today, and let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.