Temporary Crown: How Long Does It Last & Can It Stay on for 2 Months?
A temporary crown is a short-term cover placed over your tooth while you wait for your permanent crown. It protects your tooth from damage, sensitivity, and shifting. But how long does a temporary crown really last? Most dental experts say it typically lasts between 3 days to 3 weeks. However, in some cases, a temporary crown can stay on for up to 2 months if needed—though it’s not ideal. The longer you wear it, the higher the chance it could become loose, fall off, or let bacteria in. That’s why it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice closely. This blog explains everything you need to know about temporary dental crowns—what they are, why they’re used, and most importantly, how long they last.
How Long Can a Temporary Crown Last?
The time duration for a temporary crown ranges from 3 to 21 days to allow the dental laboratory enough time to fabricate the permanent crown replacement. However, in some cases, temporary crowns may stay in place for a longer period, depending on treatment progress or delays.
A properly maintained temporary crown has the potential to function adequately for short periods even though it serves as a temporary replacement. No matter what, your dentist can either modify or replace your injured crown to make sure it guards your teeth properly.
When Do You Need a Temporary Crown?
The dental profession uses temporary crowns to safeguard teeth that need permanent crown installation. When fabricating a permanent crown takes an extended period the dentist will first put a temporary crown to cover and protect your tooth.
These are the key situations that require temporary crowns:
- After a Root Canal: Temporary crowns to defend teeth that undergo root canal treatment.
- For Tooth Implants: The implant area gets safeguarded through temporary crowns after dental implants go in to allow healing.
- For Damaged Teeth: If your tooth has been damaged due to decay or injury, a temporary crown can shield the tooth while the permanent one is made.
How the Temporary Crown help?
- Safeguard the tooth and gums.
- Preserve normal spacing between teeth.
- Help with chewing and eating.
- Minimize tooth sensitivity.
- Aid the dentist in determining the fit for the permanent crown.
Things You Must Know About Temporary Crowns
The protective properties of temporary crowns are of short-term nature because of their material characteristics. Below are limitations and features:
- Not Designed for Longevity: Materials used for temporary crowns like acrylic and stainless steel lack the longevity of permanent crowns because they are built from inexpensive low-quality substances.
- Used for Short Durations: Temporary crowns are only meant to last for a few weeks. Be sure to keep track of your dental appointments so that your permanent crown can be placed when ready.
- Readily Available: The majority of dental facilities possess the in-house infrastructure to create temporary crowns promptly after preparing the affected tooth.
- Special Consideration for Children: Young children require stainless steel crowns for their milk teeth to stop decay and offer safety measures.
Aftercare Tips for Temporary Crowns
Proper care of your temporary crown serves to prolong its lifetime and protect your dental health in its entirety. The following advice outlines key steps for proper temporary crown care:
Watch What You Eat
- Avoid sticky foods: Gum, caramel, or chewy candies can cause the crown to dislodge.
- Avoid hard foods: Ice, hard candy, or tough bread can crack the crown.
Brush and Floss as Usual
- You must not skip your standard oral hygiene practices during the period when you wear a temporary crown. Handle the crown carefully near its top surface to prevent it from becoming loose.
- A soft-bristled toothbrush should be used for cleaning the space between temporary crown and gums while flossing must be done gently.
Don’t Miss Your Next Appointment
- A temporary crown serves the role of immediate restoration. Visiting your scheduled appointment promptly ensures the permanent crown gets placed while still making your temporary crown effectively withstand wear and looseness.
What to Do If the Crown Comes Off?
- If the temporary crown falls off, don’t panic. Simply slide it back into place if possible, and visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions people have about temporary crowns:
How long can you have a temporary crown?
A temporary crown generally lasts between 3 to 21 days. However, some patients may need to keep their temporary crowns for a longer period if the permanent crown is delayed.
Is a Temporary Crown Expensive?
Temporary crowns are usually less expensive than permanent crowns because they are made from cheaper materials such as acrylic or stainless steel. They are not intended for long-term use.
What Are the Disadvantages of Temporary Crowns?
While temporary crowns can protect your tooth, they do have limitations:
- They are less durable than permanent crowns.
- They may not match the natural appearance of your teeth perfectly.
- They are prone to dislodging and may not be as comfortable as a permanent crown.
What Happens if You Leave a Temporary Crown on for Longer Than the Prescribed Time?
Extended use of a temporary crown will create gum infection and cause teeth to shift while potentially causing more damage to the original tooth structure. Material used for temporary cement eventually deteriorate from the teeth.
What Is a Natural Alternative to a Crown?
If you’re looking for a more conservative treatment to restore a damaged tooth, options like dental bonding or veneers may be a good alternative, depending on the severity of the damage.
Next Steps: Ensure a Smooth Transition to Your Permanent Crown
The waiting period between your permanent crown installation gets a necessary protective solution through the use of a temporary crown. Following instructions for aftercare will extend your use of crowns while preserving oral health. Your tooth will receive protection through temporary crowns which act as an useful yet short-lived solution before the permanent ones are installed.
Call today to schedule a consultation! (425) 998-8109
Call today to schedule a consultation!
(425) 998-8109
