What is a temporary crown?

What is a temporary crown?

Summer Dental
25 July 2024

Temporary crowns are used after tooth preparation until permanent crowns are placed on the patient. They remain in the mouth for a limited time. There are specific reasons for making temporary crowns:

1- Protection of the Pulp:

As a result of the preparation, the thickness of the enamel may be reduced or completely removed, exposing the pulp to external stimuli. Consequently, pain and sensitivity, as well as reversible or irreversible damage to the pulp, may occur. The temporary crown isolates the dentin from the external environment. By taking over the protective function of the enamel, it particularly provides thermal insulation. Cementing the temporary crowns with materials such as ZOE or Ca(OH)2 soothes the pulp and reduces pain.

2- Stability of the Tooth:

When a tooth is prepared, it loses its proximal and occlusal contacts. This can lead to positional changes and elongation of the tooth. The temporary crown restores the proximal and occlusal contacts, preventing this movement. Without a temporary crown, the prepared tooth loses its significance due to positional changes.

3- Aesthetics:

The temporary crown restores the lost aesthetics during the period from tooth preparation until permanent restorations are made. This is particularly important in areas that are visible at first glance, such as the anterior region.

4- Function and Phonation:

It restores the chewing and speech functions that are partially lost after tooth preparation.

5- Protection of Tooth Structure and Gums:

The integrity and durability of the tooth structure lost due to preparation are restored with the temporary crowns. The structure of the tooth becomes particularly weak after the preparation of teeth restored with filling materials. The anatomical form of the tooth is also lost as a result of the preparation. Consequently, gingival recession and injury may occur. By making temporary crowns, the tooth structure is preserved, preventing fractures, restoring the natural contours of the tooth, and shaping the gums.

6- Prediction:

Temporary crowns provide an idea to the patient and the dentist about the size, shape, and position of the final restoration, especially in treatments that require aesthetics.

Making of Temporary Crowns:

There are two types of methods:

Direct Method: Prepared immediately in the patient’s mouth after the preparation in the clinic.

Indirect Method: Prepared on a model by a laboratory.

We work with the indirect method in our clinic. In this method, an impression is taken with alginate from the patient after tooth preparation, and the occlusion is recorded with wax. The impression is then sent to the dental laboratory. The laboratory produces a plaster model from this impression. On this model, technicians prepare crowns in the tooth color and form with polymethylmethacrylate. During this production process, the patient and the affected gingival area also have time to rest. The prepared temporary crowns are then sent back to the clinic on the same day. The crowns are checked in the patient’s mouth again in the clinic. Adjustments are made if necessary. They are adjusted according to the patient’s occlusion. They are then cemented with temporary cementation materials. The patient should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes until the cementation is complete. Temporary crowns are not as tightly bonded to the tooth chemically as in permanent cementation, so they may come off when consuming sticky foods. They can crack in patients with strong chewing forces, as they do not contain rigid, high-strength materials like metal or zirconium. In such cases, a new temporary crown is prepared by the laboratory. These are common situations, and the patient is informed about them.