What Is The Purpose Of A Temporary Crown?
Permanent crowns take two to three weeks to fabricate in a dental laboratory. During that time, the remaining tooth structure that will be supporting the crown is left bare. The main purpose of a temporary crown is to cover the exposed tooth structure. Covering the exposed tooth serves several functions.
Protects the Tooth From Decay and Damage
Once prepared for a permanent crown, a tooth has little to protect it from dental decay. Even in just two weeks, oral bacteria can attack and damage a tooth. You could also damage your tooth while you eat. A temporary crown will stop this from happening.
Protects the Nerve Inside the Tooth
While you wait for the permanent crown, if your tooth nerve is still alive, it needs protection from infection and from sensitivity to heat and cold. Although a temporary crown isn't as strong as a permanent crown because it is only made from plastic, it will provide enough protection over a two or three week period.
Stops the Other Teeth Shifting Into the Gap
When a tooth or a large portion of a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth could shift into the space. Placing a temporary crown over the tooth will save the space for the permanent crown.
Allows You to Eat Comfortably
You can eat on a temporary crown, but you will have to be careful not to chew especially hard foods like nuts and hard candy while wearing your temporary crown. You will also need to refrain from chewing on sticky foods like toffee, as these foods could pull your temporary crown out of place.
Gives You a Chance to See How the Crown Looks
You'll be able to get a good look at your temporary crown while wearing it. This will allow you to spot any potential issues with the size or shape before the permanent crown is completed. If an issue arises, your dentist will inform the ceramist in the dental lab, and they will then make the necessary changes to the permanent crown.
Helps You Smile and Talk Without Embarrassment
If your soon-to-be crowned tooth is in the frontal area of your mouth, smiling and talking might be difficult for you. Because of this, a temporary crown can save you the embarrassment of having an obvious gap in your smile when you interact with others.
A temporary crown is useful in many ways. But make sure you treat your temporary crown with care while you wait for your permanent crown to be ready. For more information about dental crowns, contact a local dental office.
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