A dental crown restoration needs two distinct stages. It starts by removing the tooth enamel layer and any lingering decay or damaged structures. This leaves behind a post-like structure known as an abutment that will eventually anchor a new crown. Then, your dentist, Dr. Susan Chmiel, will secure a hard, plastic, temporary crown over the abutment. This will protect the abutment while our off-site dental lab technician prepares your final crown.

It’s important to remember that the temporary crown does not effectively restore the tooth’s ability to bite, grind or chew. If your temporary crown is damaged or falls out, it can seriously damage the abutment and lead to significant complications.

It’s best to avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods on that side of your mouth when you have a temporary crown. The suction these actions cause could potentially pull the temporary crown loose. At the same time, biting down on hard foods, crunching ice or chewing on foreign objects could possibly crack the biting surface of the temporary crown and damage the abutment.

Maintaining good oral health will help the final crown seat comfortably with your gums. The temporary crown will still need to be brushed and flossed as part of your routine oral hygiene routine. Waxed dental floss can help work the strand into place easily. This minimizes the chances of injuring your gums because you don’t have to force the strand into place.

If for some reason your temporary crown in Franklin, Wisconsin, becomes loose, is damaged or falls out, you need to call Drs. Susan Chmiel & Rachel Bohn at 414-525-0300 to schedule an emergency appointment.