Caring For Temporary Crowns: Three Things To Know

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If you've made the decision to get a crown put in place, your dentist may give you a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready to be placed over your existing tooth. There are a few things you will need to do to care for a temporary crown to ensure it lasts until your next dental appointment.

Temporary Discomfort

You may feel some pain ore tenderness after having the temporary crown put in place. Your dentist can give you a list of foods you can eat in the days after the crown is put in place, but you'll want to avoid eating immediately after the procedure. Typically, soft foods will be easiest to manage after the procedure. You may want to try apple sauce, mashed potatoes, or gelatin until the discomfort subsides. When you move on to more regular foods, try to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the crown is located as much as possible. It may not be possible to completely avoid chewing with the crown completely, but keeping contact with food to a minimum can reduce the risk of damaging the crown and can also help to reduce discomfort.

Foods To Avoid

In general, foods that are sticky should be avoided, as they could cause the temporary crown to become dislodged. Taffy, caramel, chewing gum, and licorice are just some of the foods that can be too sticky to eat after having your temporary crown put in place. Hard or crunchy foods might break the crown, so stay away from raw vegetables, such as carrots or celery. Similarly, don't bite your nails or chew on ice, as these habits can also damage the crown.

Brushing And Flossing

You'll want to continue to brush and floss regularly, but take extra care when tending to the area around the crown. Floss between the crown and the gum as much as possible to prevent food particles from becoming lodges in this area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging the crown. You can also use a mouthwash to help remove food particles and keep the area around the crown clean.

Be sure to follow up with your dentist if you have any troubles or concerns, and ask about when you can schedule the procedure for putting the permanent crown in place. With the right care, your temporary crown can last all the way until your permanent crown is ready to be put over your tooth. Get more info here.


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