Temporary Crown Aftercare

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AUGUST 13, 2025

Temporary Crown Aftercare

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A temporary crown is a short-term protective cover placed over your tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
It’s important to care for it properly to protect the underlying tooth and ensure your final crown fits perfectly.

Table of Contents

Do’s
Don’ts

Chew on the opposite side of your mouth whenever possible.

Avoid very sticky, chewy, or hard foods
(e.g., caramel, gum, nuts, ice).

Brush gently around the crown area, especially near the gum line.

Do not use the crowned tooth to bite hard objects
(e.g., fingernails, pen caps).

Floss carefully by sliding the floss out sideways.

Do not pull floss upwards, as this may dislodge the crown.

Eat softer foods for the first 24 hours to allow the cement to set.

Avoid poking the treated gums with your tongue or fingers.

While You Are Still Numb

  • Numbness usually wears off in a few hours — don’t be alarmed if it lasts a bit longer.
  • Do not bite or pinch your lip, tongue, or cheek to “test” numbness.
    • To check if the numbness is gone, gently graze both sides of your lips — they should feel the same.
  • Avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off as you can accidentally bite your lip, tongue and/ or cheek which can lead to painful ulcers, chips or fracture of your teeth or existing fillings.
  • Drink only room temperature or cold water during this time.

For the Remainder of the Day

  • Eat soft foods and avoid anything sticky, hard, or crunchy (e.g., chewing gum, nuts, ice, caramel, popcorn)
  • Do not touch or wiggle the temporary crown with your fingers or tongue. This can loosen or dislodge it.
  • Avoid habits like clenching, grinding, or playing with the temporary crown with your tongue.
  • Brush gently around the temporary crown.
  • You may floss, but slide the floss out sideways rather. Do not pull floss up, to prevent loosening the temporary crown.

Temporary Crown Care

  • Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the temporary crown until your final crown is placed.
  • Use a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth — this protects against chips, cracks, and wear.
    • Not wearing a night guard may result in damage to the temporary crown or even your natural teeth.

Bite Sensitivity

  • Report any bite discomfort immediately after treatment as lingering numbness may prevent you from noticing bite changes.
  • Ignoring a “high bite” sensation can lead to crown misalignment, affecting comfort and long-term function.

Diet

  • Resume a normal diet once numbness is gone.
  • While numb, you may have soft, room temperature or cold foods like yogurt or ice cream.
  • After numbness subsides:
    • Avoid food that may get stuck or cause irritation — no seeds, nuts, popcorn, sticky or hard foods until your final crown has been permanently cemented.
  • Failure to follow may cause the temporary crown to fracture or dislodge.

Oral Hygiene

  • Use your prescribed mouthwash starting today.
    • Rinse with the mouthwash for five days before your final crown cementation appointment.
  • Brush gently around the crown area, especially near the gum line.
    • We recommend the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush.
  • Continue to floss daily.
    • Use your finger to stabilise the temporary crown and slide the floss out horizontally — do not pull it upwards, as this may dislodge the crown.
  • If you use interdental brushes (or have been advised to), position them horizontally to clean between your teeth. Avoid vertical use near the temporary crown to prevent loosening or dislodgement.
    • Improper technique can loosen or dislodge the crown.
  • Poor oral hygiene may cause gum inflammation or infection, making crown placement more difficult.

⚠ Emergency Situations (Call Us Immediately)

Call our clinic immediately if:

  • You experience severe pain or swelling.
  • You are experiencing sensitivity that worsens over time.
  • Your temporary crown loosens or breaks:
    • Return to our clinic promptly. This prevents complications and extra costs.
    • If you are abroad, visit a local dentist to have the temporary crown re-cemented, if needed.
  • Delaying treatment for a loose or broken crown can lead to:
    • Further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues.
    • Shifting of the tooth, which may cause your final crown to fit poorly and require remaking at additional cost.