When looking for “dental crowns near me” you’ll likely have noticed that placing a crown typically involves two visits. Your dentist may fit a temporary crown for the duration that your permanent crown is being manufactured in a dental laboratory. Many patients question wearing a temporary crown or whether they can just wait until the tooth is ready for the final crown.
Yes, that’s a short answer. In most situations, the placement of a temporary crown is essential for protecting your tooth, maintaining your bite and keeping you comfortable until you can have your permanent crown placed.
Why Isn’t the Permanent Crown Placed Right Away?
A dental crown is a permanent one that is designed with respect to your tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, the patient’s jaw is scanned or detailed impressions are made and sent to a dental lab where qualified technicians develop a crown that is as natural as your own tooth in terms of shape, color, and function.
This typically takes from 1-3 weeks, depending on the type of crown and the laboratory. In the meantime, the prepared tooth must be protected. This is where a temporary crown is needed.
Patients searching for dental crowns near me are often taken aback to realize that the temporary restoration is part of the treatment, and not merely a temporary alternative.
What Does a Temporary Crown Do?
There are a few reasons to use a temporary crown until the permanent restoration is produced.
It prevents sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure on the prepared tooth. It will also help to prevent bacteria from getting to your bare tooth, especially if the tooth is sensitive, and minimize the risk of irritation or decay between doctor’s visits.
One of the other advantages is that it does not allow adjacent teeth to move. Minor tooth movement can cause your permanent crown to be too loose to fit which will cause unnecessary adjustments later.
We know how important it is for patients to eat, speak, and smile without any hassle while they are waiting for their permanent restoration, and we take great care in designing temporary crowns to help achieve just that.
Can You Skip the Temporary Crown?
Generally, the temporary crown should not be omitted.
They make the prepared tooth more susceptible to damage, sensitivity and movement without them. Any minor movement of adjacent teeth can affect the permanent crown’s fit, which can result in further adjustments or even the need for a remake.
One thing people wonder when looking for “dental crowns near me” is whether or not they can skip the temporary crown and save some time. In truth, it is often beneficial in helping to keep the treatment on track as it helps to keep the tooth in place until the last visit.
How Long Will You Wear a Temporary Crown?
The temporary crown is worn by most patients for 1-3 weeks. This is usually based on the speed of the dental lab to prepare the permanent crown.
This is an important time to take care of the temporary restoration. Although it is durable enough for everyday activities, it is not as strong as the permanent version.
Do not chew hard candies, sticky foods, ice or anything that might loosen or damage the temporary crown. Brush as usual and gently floss to prevent the temporary crown from being dislodged.
When looking for “dental crowns near me,” taking the time to familiarize yourself with these basic steps can prevent issues from occurring when you return for your next appointment.
What If the Temporary Crown Comes Off?
The temporary cement used to hold temporary crowns in place can sometimes loosen or fall off; this is a potential problem.
If this occurs, do contact your dental office immediately. Don’t leave the molds of the tooth uncovered as that will lead to sensitivity and/or movement of the neighboring teeth.
If possible, preserve the temporary crown, it might be necessary to be reattached until the permanent crown is ready. Do not attempt to reattach by gluing it on with household glue, it may harm the crown and the tooth.
Our team can assess the situation and advise you on what is the most safe.
Will the Temporary Crown Feel Different?
Yes. Temporary crowns are not intended for long-term use or great aesthetic appeal.
They may feel a little different from natural teeth and the bite may not exactly feel the same as with the permanent crown. The first few days are also often very mild.
People who are looking for “dental crowns near me” may think that something is wrong with them. These sensations will usually get better as you get used to the crown, and the permanent crown will fit and feel much more natural.
What Happens During the Final Visit?
When your dentist removes the temporary crown, they assess the fit, color, shape and bite of the new permanent crown in the lab.
A few changes can be made to the crown if necessary to make it more comfortable before it is permanently bonded to the mouth. The aim is to restore normal chewing function and to achieve a natural looking result with the restoration that blends in with the surrounding teeth.
Clove Dental Sherman Oaks wants to see every restoration fit as seamlessly as possible, and that will help you enjoy a lifetime of oral health. This is why we carefully review all permanent crowns prior to the completion of treatment.
When looking for a “dental crowns near me” service, it can be a significant difference in your experience if you find a practice that specializes in precision, patient education, and personalized treatment.
Conclusion
A temporary crown is more than a “waiting solution. It helps to safeguard your prepared tooth, maintains spacing, minimizes tooth sensitivity and helps ensure that the permanent crown fits as it should.
By following your dentist’s care advice during this brief period you will help support a more streamlined treatment process and longer-lasting results. When searching for “dental crowns near me,” it helps to know each stage of the crown process to feel more confident and ready from the initial visit to your last restoration.