Temporary dental crowns protect teeth or dental implants while a permanent crown is in production.
Dentists recommend crowns in several circumstances. For example, individuals may require a crown if they need a large cavity filling but do not have enough of a tooth remaining to keep a filling in place. Someone may also require a crown over a tooth to prevent further damage after a root canal.
In some cases, dental crowns are necessary for cosmetic purposes.
In this article, we examine temporary dental crowns and their uses. We also look at how dental offices make them, how long they last, and how to care for them.
What are temporary crowns, and what are they made of?
A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap that a dentist fixes to a damaged tooth or crown before putting a permanent crown in place. The crown acts as a barrier against bacteria and secures the tooth that the permanent crown will cap.
Without a temporary crown, the tooth may shift, meaning that the permanent crown will not fit properly.
Temporary crowns are similar to natural teeth in shape and size. They cover any visible remaining portion of the affected teeth.
Although they are strong enough to withstand a regular bite, temporary crowns are made from less substantial materials than permanent dental crowns, so they may crack more easily. Dentists do not cement them into place as securely as permanent crowns.
Most dentists can make temporary crowns, which they form from acrylics or stainless steel in their offices. However, dental laboratories produce permanent crowns using materials such as:
- metals
- porcelain
- porcelain fused to metal
- resin
- ceramic
When are they needed?
Dental crown caps cover the remains of teeth that have sustained damage from excessive decay, root canal treatment, or other repairs. They may protect single or multiple teeth.
Dentists may take impressions or models of the person’s original tooth for the crown. They may also use computer imaging technology to determine the crown’s appropriate size and shape. They will then send the impressions or imaging to a dental laboratory.
Laboratories usually take a few weeks to make permanent dental crowns for teeth.
Research indicates that the development and placement of a temporary crown plays an important role in long-term outcomes for permanent dental crowns.
The functions of a temporary crown include:
- safeguarding the remnants of the natural tooth or implant site and the gums
- preventing potential tooth and gum sensitivity
- keeping the appropriate spacing between the teeth
- supporting chewing and esthetics
The functions of a permanent crown include:
- covering an implant or the remnants of severely decayed, discolored, or misshapen teeth
- protecting the weakened tooth
- supporting dental bridges if replacing missing teeth
How long will a person have it for?
Usually, a person has a temporary dental crown for 2–3 weeks. However, some people may need a temporary crown for more than 3 weeks if they have undergone extensive dental work or received an implant.
It can take several months for the bone surrounding an implant to heal after the procedure. Dentists will not place a permanent crown over an implant until the bone has healed.
Permanent dental crowns should last at least 5–15 years, with their lifespan depending on a person’s oral hygiene and regular wear and tear. A dentist will determine when a crown needs replacing.
