Placing crowns is a multi-step process, which typically requires the use of a
temporary crown. Due to their fragile nature, temporaries have the tendency to break or dislodge. Therefore, a temporary crown requires special care.
To explain how to properly care for a temporary crown, Dr. David Foster, your Columbia, TN dentist, shares the following instructions, with his patients.
Why is a Temporary Crown Necessary?
As aforementioned, placing a crown isn’t usually completed in just one appointment. Typically, the dentist must prepare the tooth and take impressions of your mouth first. These mouth molds, of sorts, detail the structure of your oral cavity to showcase the surrounding teeth and tooth in need of crown. The results from the impressions go to a specialized ceramics lab, where the crown is manufactured.
During the manufacturing period, the prepared tooth needs protection against tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral ailments. Additionally, the prepared tooth proves quite sensitive and cause the patient to feel quite a bit of discomfort, if left uncovered—that’s where the temporary crown come in. Temporaries function almost exactly like permanent crowns, however, it won’t fit perfectly since the crown hasn’t been contoured to your tooth.
The temporary crown is made from acrylic, and can break easily, which is why your Columbia, TN dentist urges patients to take proper care of a temporary crown. Without temporaries in place, the underlying tooth becomes vulnerable to greater issues.
Caring for Temporary Crown
Refrain from eating anything sticky or chewy. This includes: eating softened caramel or taffy and chewing gum, alongside any other overly sticky foods. The qualities of these items tend to stick the temporary crown and uproot it. Furthermore, eating overly hard foods is also ill-advised. Munching on ice, or raw veggies, like, carrots could lead to a cracked crown.
Avoid eating too much on the side with the temporary crown in place. During the short waiting period, eat most of your foods on the opposite side of your mouth.
When flossing, pull the the floss out by moving it to side rather than up. This upward motion could cause the crown to dislodge.
Creekside Family Dental Provides Restorative Dental Work
For more information about dental crown care, consult with Dr. Foster. After the placement of your crown, he will provide proper care instructions to ensure your crown doesn’t endure any damage. To schedule an appointment with your Columbia, TN dental practice, call us at (931) 388 – 3384. Also, visit our website for services, patient gallery, and to learn about our team. We welcome patients from Lewisburg, Lewisburg, Hohenwald, Centerville and surrounding cities.