Having a tooth restored by a dental crown in Sacramento, California, is often a two-stage process. The first step involves removing the tooth enamel layer to prepare the tooth for the restoration. Our dentist, Dr. Steven J. Brazis, will cast a detailed impression of the area and the dentin abutment that will anchor the crown in place. While our off-site dental lab technician prepares your new crown, a hard, plastic cap, which is called a temporary crown, will be cemented into place.
It’s important to keep in mind that a temporary crown does not effectively restore the tooth’s ability to bite, grind or chew food. It is merely a protective measure. If your temporary crown is damaged or if it falls out, it can seriously damage the abutment and lead to significant complications.
You should abstain from chewing gum and eating sticky foods on that side of your mouth. The suction this causes could potentially pull the temporary crown loose. At the same time, biting down on hard foods, crunching on ice or chewing on foreign objects could possibly crack the biting surface of the temporary crown and damage to the abutment.
The temporary crown should be fully included in your daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing it twice a day and flossing around it each evening, just as you would any other tooth in your mouth. This will ensure healthy gums that will fit comfortably with the new crown.
If you have questions or concerns about your temporary crown, you can always call 916-731-5151 to speak to a member of our team.
