Temporary Crowns:

Temporary crowns are utilized for about 3 and ½ weeks while the permanent crown is being customized for your tooth.  The temporary protects the tooth and holds its position during the interim so when the permanent crown returns from the dental lab it will fit beautifully.

The temporary crown is fragile and will not be as strong as the permanent crown.  If it is broken or becomes dislodged, please call the office to schedule an appointment to have it replaced.  You may carefully floss a temporary crown by pulling the floss down through the contact then straight out.  Do not floss up and down as usual as this may dislodge the temporary crown. 

If a crown does become dislodged, you may use Vaseline inside the crown so it will adhere to the tooth until you can call the office for an appointment.  Most pharmacies also carry temporary dental cement that can be used inside the temporary crown until you can call the office for an appointment. If the tooth is not sensitive, you may even just place it back on the tooth without cement and remove it when eating. A tooth that has had a root canal will not be sensitive due to the crown coming off. For a tooth with an intact nerve (no root canal) will be sensitive after a crown preparation has been completed. This is normal and to be expected if the temporary crown does come off. Call the office if the sensitivity is more than expected.

It is common for the temporized teeth to be sensitive to hot, cold, pressure and sweets. Much of this is due to the preparation process, large dental decay being removed, etc. It can also be due to leakage at the margin.  The bite on the temporary should also be checked at the office if you have excessive tenderness or pain.  Anesthetic affects the feeling of your bite.  If your bite does not feel balanced and even, once the dental anesthetic has worn off, please call the office for an adjustment.  A balanced bite is very important. High bites lead to pain and sensitivity.

Rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz glass of water) can also be helpful to cleanse the area and aid the healing of irritated gum tissue.

Permanent crowns:

The permanent crown is checked for fit and then cemented.  It is not uncommon for the permanent crown to be hot/cold sensitive for several weeks afterwards and occasionally a few months.  Once again a balanced bite is important.  Be sure to inform us if you have a “high” bite on any new crown. The cement will be its strongest within the next 24 hours so be careful not to chew anything really tough or sticky on the newly cemented restoration. 

Permanent crowns should have tight contacts to prevent food impaction. If you have a fracture of the porcelain or an open or loose contact, please make an appointment for evaluation. Open contacts can lead to periodontal disease and dental decay over a period of time if not corrected. It is important to floss the margins of crowns next to the gum line  below the contact area to prevent periodontal disease and dental decry even with perfectly fitted crowns.

With regular cleanings and check ups the permanent crown should last you many years.  Decay may occur around the edges of the crown so it’s important to have it checked regularly and cleaned by the dental hygienist. We suggest that you also use a special dental fluoride once a day after thorough brushing to protect your new crowns

Porcelain to metal crowns often have a metal collar on the inside (tongue side) near the gum line. This is normal and not a sign of missing porcelain or a cavity. It allows for a finer and thinner fit of the crown to the tooth.

Porcelain to metal crowns may have a spot of metal showing through the porcelain after the bite has been adjusted. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem or a weakening of the tooth. If it is a cosmetic problem, the crown may be remade when possible.

The staff and doctors wish you the very best with your new crown and bridge dentistry.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bill Williams

Office phone number:  770-614-7300

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