CROWNS, BRIDGES - TEMPORARY

Temporaries are very durable, eating hard foods is fine. Do avoid sticky foods as they can pull the temporary off the tooth.

Brushing and flossing are very important as the gums have been through a lot and will more readily regain their optimum health in a clean environment.

Once the floss is introduced between the teeth and into the gum area do not bring it back up through where the temporary crown contacts the neighboring tooth. This could pop the temporary crown off the tooth. Do release one end of the floss and with the other hand pull the floss out horizontally from between the teeth.

Flossing under a bridge is a bit tricky but becomes easier with practice. Using a floss threader thread the floss by the gum underneath the bridge. Floss the front tooth holding the bridge in then gently glide the floss under the replacement tooth (nonrooted) to floss the back tooth anchoring the bridge. Floss in front and behind the anchor teeth of the temporary bridge as described in the paragraph above.

The temporary crown or bridge is cemented with a weak adhesive so it can be removed for the final fitting. If the temporary comes off do try to reseat it. Align the crown over the prepared tooth. If it does not seat with finger pressure turn it one quarter of a turn and try again. Keep repeating the quarter turn technique until the temporary seats properly into place. If the temporary is staying on the tooth (most will do to their snug fit design) there is no need to see us until the final fitting. If you cannot seat the temporary, or if it does not stay seated or if you are more comfortable having us evaluate it please call the office.

If the temporary is lost or broken or you cannot reseat it do call the office.

It is ok for a temporary to be out of the mouth for several days but the temporary does need to get back in at everyone’s earliest convenience. The temporary is there not only to keep you comfortable and to help you chew but to keep the prepared tooth and gums in their correct and healthy position.