Temporary Crowns

Restore shape, function, and aesthetics while waiting for permanent prosthetics

In the dental clinic for custom prosthetics, "Kiadent", we install a temporary crown immediately after tooth preparation or implant placement.

What is a Temporary Crown?

A temporary (provisional or adaptive) crown is a prosthesis installed immediately after natural tooth preparation or on the abutment (implant connector).

Temporary crowns restore the shape, chewing function, and aesthetics of the tooth during the preparation period for permanent prosthetics.

Cost of a Temporary Crown

The cost of installing a temporary orthopedic structure depends on the materials used and the production technology.

Full List of Services for Temporary Crowns

Dentist consultation
Long-term temporary crown
Temporary crown on implant + abutment

When else is a temporary crown needed?

After tooth enamel preparation, the exposed dentin remains unprotected. If the pulp (the vascular-nerve bundle inside the tooth) hasn’t been removed, it becomes sensitive to the slightest irritants (tongue touch, cold/hot drinks, or air).

A temporary crown replaces the lost enamel, protecting the prepared tooth from discomfort and the pulp from pathogenic bacteria in dental plaque.

If the pulp has been removed, the tooth loses nutrients and becomes more fragile. There is a high risk of the tooth stump breaking during chewing.

In this case, the temporary crown restores strength and chewing functionality until permanent restoration is installed.

Regardless of whether the pulp is removed, a temporary restoration improves the aesthetics of the prepared tooth.

Indications for Installation

Indications for Installation on a Natural Tooth

Prepared ToothWithin 2 to 24 hours after preparation, the dentist fixes a temporary crown.

Protects root canals from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms and infections.
Restores chewing function and speech.
Hides aesthetic defects.
Prevents bite misalignment.
Prevents sensitivity of the tooth stump to hot/cold stimuli (hyperesthesia).
Protects the stump and gums from mechanical damage.

When else is a temporary crown needed?

Temporary restorations are also used during the treatment of infections (e.g., pulpitis). The treatment involves several appointments. Between visits, the affected tooth is covered with a temporary crown to protect the exposed pulp from bacteria and external irritants.

Indications for Installation on an Implant

One-Stage ProtocolImmediately after implant placement, the dentist fixes an adaptive restoration during the osseointegration period.

The adaptive crown forms a beautiful gum contour and prevents gum recession.
Provides chewing load and blood flow to tissues around the implant, accelerating the healing process.

Remember the Limited Lifespan of the Crown

The lifespan is limited for a reason. These restorations are made from fragile materials prone to damage and not intended for long-term use.

Provisional structures often fit loosely and may not anatomically conform to the tooth stump. Poor fit creates gaps between the orthopedic structure and the stump.

These gaps can harbor pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, wearing temporary restorations longer than the dentist prescribes increases the risk of inflammation and complete tooth loss.

For comparison:permanent crowns

Pros and Cons of Temporary Crowns

Pros

Immediate functional restoration Restores chewing function, shape, and aesthetics of the tooth while the permanent restoration is being made.
Tooth protection Prevents sensitivity and protects the stump from damage until the permanent structure is installed.
Quick production Can be made within 2 hours to a day (depending on the method).
Affordable price Made from inexpensive materials (plastic, polymers).

Cons

Discomfort May occur due to slight mismatches with the anatomical shape of the patient's tooth.
Staining Can change color from consuming pigmented products (e.g., red wine, coffee).
Fragility Compared to permanent restorations, they are more prone to damage.
Short lifespan Not designed for long-term use.

With proper care, temporary restorations fulfill their purpose before being replaced by permanent ones.

Permanent Crowns Are a Different Matter

Such dental crowns are made of more durable materials (ceramics or zirconia). They also have higher precision and a better fit. They are crafted based on the patient’s dental impressions, considering all anatomical features.

Materials for Temporary Crowns

Composite Temporary Crowns

Composite temporary crowns are usually made of resin reinforced with fiberglass.

These restorations are durable and offer decent aesthetics. They have a polished surface that reduces plaque accumulation, minimizing the risk of bacterial penetration under the crown.

Plastic Temporary Crowns

Made from plastic or acrylic, they are durable enough to withstand mechanical stress. However, they are less durable and their surface wears out quickly. They are also more prone to staining compared to composites.

Which material is better?

The choice of material depends on the prosthetic area, the patient’s budget, and the dentist’s recommendations.

Composite is used to make crowns for front teeth. Compared to plastic, this material offers better aesthetics due to more detailed processing.

If you need a crown for a molar, composite is recommended for its strength. However, with careful handling, plastic can also withstand chewing load effectively.

Temporary Crown Fabrication and Installation Methods

Direct Method

The dentist forms the crown directly on the patient’s prepared tooth. This method doesn’t guarantee flawless aesthetics or functionality due to limited fabrication time. The entire process usually takes 2-3 hours.

Steps of the Direct Fabrication and Installation Method:

1. Step. Preparation: Taking an impression
Before tooth preparation, the dentist takes dental impressions using silicone material and creates a plaster model.
2. Step. Tooth preparation
The dentist shapes the tooth, creating a conical stump for crown placement.
3. Step. Fabrication of the temporary crown
Material for the temporary restoration is placed in the impression.
4. Step. Installation
The dentist fixes the crown on the prepared tooth using temporary cement, adjusts, and polishes it directly in the patient’s mouth.
5. Step. Adjustment (if needed)
The dentist performs final fit adjustments.
6. Step. Recommendations
Provides instructions on care, diet, and hygiene to preserve the temporary structure until the permanent crown is installed.

Indirect Method

Crowns are made by a dental technician in a laboratory. Afterward, the dentist fixes them onto the patient's teeth. This method is recommended for temporary prosthetics of front teeth.

Indirect orthopedic constructions are more durable and aesthetically pleasing. They fit tightly on the tooth and better handle chewing loads. In terms of shape and color, they closely resemble natural teeth. However, this method requires more time compared to the direct method, usually taking about 24 hours.

Steps of the Indirect Fabrication and Installation Method:

1. Step. Preparation: Impression and tooth preparation
Similar to the direct method, the dentist takes impressions and prepares the tooth.
2. Step. Fabrication of the temporary crown
A dental technician creates the temporary orthopedic structure in the laboratory.
3. Step. Installation
The dentist installs the finished crown, ensuring proper fit and tightness.
4. Step. Adjustment and recommendations
Provides instructions on care, diet, and hygiene to maintain the integrity of the temporary structure until the permanent crown is ready.

Lifespan of a Temporary Crown

Temporary restorations typically last between 2 weeks and 6 months. The duration depends on the material, fabrication method, and clinical situation.

Caring for a Temporary Crown

To ensure the temporary crown lasts until the permanent prosthesis is ready, follow these recommendations:

Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes immediately after installation.The fixing cement needs time to set properly, ensuring a secure bond between the restoration and the tooth stump or implant.
Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.While brushing, do not apply excessive pressure on the temporary crown to avoid damaging its surface.
Avoid using dental floss near the temporary restoration.Flossing could disrupt the bond between the crown and the tooth stump or implant. Instead, use a water flosser.
Avoid sticky and hard foods.These can cause the crown to loosen or crack.

Questions and Answers

What should I do if the tooth under the crown hurts?
Contact your dentist to evaluate the condition of the tooth. Do not delay the visit.
- Before visiting the clinic:
  - Take pain relievers as recommended by your doctor.
  - Do not attempt to remove the temporary restoration yourself.
  - Avoid hard or hot foods, as they may increase the pain.
  - Continue maintaining oral hygiene.
What should I do if the crown falls out?
Contact your dentist. They will reattach the crown or fabricate a new one.
- Before visiting the dentist:
  - If the restoration is intact, rinse it under running water, store it in a clean container, and bring it to the clinic.
  - Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution or 0.2%-0.25% chlorhexidine to temporarily inhibit bacterial activity.
  - Do not attempt to reattach the restoration yourself.
  - Follow your dentist's oral hygiene instructions and any dietary restrictions.
  - Avoid chewing food on the side where the crown fell out.