How long can a temporary crown last?

How long does a temporary crown last?

Healthline says a temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent crown is made, and that you should expect to wear it about 2 to 3 weeks, sometimes longer, with implants needing several months of bone healing first. Healthline's page on temporary crown pain says temporary crowns typically stay in place for up to about 2 weeks before the permanent crown is installed. Cleveland Clinic says lab work for the permanent crown typically takes two to three weeks, sometimes longer. So the usual answer is two to three weeks, with the exact time set by your lab and your dentist.

Why it is only temporary

Cleveland Clinic says temporary crowns are usually made of resin or acrylic and are less strong than a permanent crown, and Healthline says it is held with temporary cement and does not match the tooth as precisely as the permanent one. It is designed to protect the tooth, help you chew, limit sensitivity and keep neighboring teeth from shifting. It is not built for months of use, so do not delay your follow-up visit.

What if it has to last longer?

Delays in the lab can mean a longer wait. The sources we read give no maximum safe time for a temporary crown, only that it is meant for weeks. If yours has to stay longer, ask your dentist how to protect it, and report any looseness, breakage or pain promptly.

Caring for a temporary crown

Healthline advises avoiding tough meats, hard or crusty breads, raw hard vegetables or fruits, corn on the cob, nuts, popcorn, ice, chewing gum, hard candy, caramel, very hot or very cold foods and sugary foods, since sugar can get under the crown and cause decay. Brush more gently and keep the area clean, and when flossing slide the floss in and out rather than pulling it down, so you do not dislodge the crown.

What if my temporary crown falls off?

Healthline says to call your dentist to have it reglued or replaced, and not to leave the space empty because the tooth or gum underneath can be damaged or infected and your bite can shift. Its page on a fallen crown says to find the crown, not to swallow it, clean the inside with toothpaste, and, only if your dentist suggests it, hold it in place temporarily with dental cement from a pharmacy as a stopgap. Eat soft foods, chew on the other side and avoid sticky or hard foods.

Pain with a temporary crown

Healthline says some sensitivity is typical, gum soreness often resolves within several days, and pain beyond about a week warrants contacting your dentist. A crown that is too high can cause pain when you bite. Our guide on whether getting a crown hurts covers causes in more detail.

How long do permanent crowns last?

Cleveland Clinic says the average lifespan is five to 15 years and crowns can last upwards of 30 years with proper care. Healthline says typically 5 to 15 years and longer with good care, with gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns tending to last the longest. Our dental crown guide covers materials and aftercare.

Questions to ask your dentist

A few questions at the first visit help you plan around the temporary crown.

• How long should I expect to wear the temporary crown?
• What should I avoid eating, and how should I floss around it?
• What should I do if it comes off, and how quickly can you see me?
• Will you check the bite when the permanent crown goes on?
• What happens if the lab is late?

Frequently asked questions