Temporary Crown
A temporary crown is usually made of a hard plastic material. It has been set in place with a non-permanent dental cement.
Permanent Crown
A permanent crown replaces the temporary one. It will be inserted during your final visit. It is a strong and long-lasting structure made of porcelain or gold materials.
Bridge
A bridge consists of at least three (3) parts. Abutment which are the teeth (or
implant) that that anchor your bridge. The pontic is the space or gap part of the bridge. Abutment teeth will have crowns placed over existing teeth.
Temporary Crown
Upon leaving after the first visit, you will have a temporary dental crown on your tooth. Ideally, you should make an appointment for the permanent crown in two (2 )weeks or as discussed with your dental team.
A few precautions should be taken:
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods (e.g., chewing gum, peanut butter and caramel based candies), which have the potential of grabbing and pulling at the crown.
- Shift the bulk of your chewing to the opposite side of your mouth. A soft diet is advisable until the permanent crown is placed.
- Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods (e.g., raw vegetables, health bars and popcorn), which can dislodge or break the crown.
- When cleaning your teeth, slide flossing material out rather that lifting it out. Lifting the floss out could pull off the temporary crown. Brush with a soft toothbrush.
*Remember that your gums and teeth may be tender and sensitive during this time interval.
Temporary becomes loose or comes off.
While waiting for the permanent crown appointment, if the temporary becomes loose or falls off please contact us 604-744-2262 immediately. A short visit, will be scheduled, to place the crown back over the tooth.
Without the protection of the crown, the tooth becomes exposed and vulnerable to bacteria in your mouth. The integrity of the tooth will be compromised and can cause further problems.
Permanent Crown
A crown is also knowns as a “cap”. Crowns are permanent and cover the visible portion of your tooth/teeth. They strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth/teeth.
- Crowns can be placed over dental implants &/or be part of a bridge.
- Crowns are commonly placed over existing tooth root and its reduced visible tooth. It replaces the original damaged tooth.
Home Care for your Crown or Bridge:
Once the permanent crown is cemented on, it is best to avoid sticky things for the first 24 hours. The cement must have time to achieve optimum strength.
After that, you may eat, drink, and clean your tooth just like you did before. The crown and gum may be tender or sensitive for the first few weeks while the gum is healing from the work done.
- As part of your regular oral home care use a floss threader to remove food and plaque under the pontic area of your bridge. Remember the space under the bridge can hold harmful bacteria that will irritate the tissue.
- Hot or cold sensitivity to food and drinks, might occur but, gradually disappear over a few weeks.
- Schedule regular dental exams and hygiene appointments. Often issues that develop around restorations can be detected at an early stage and remedied.
If any of the following occur, contact our office:
- Any abnormal taste from the crown or bridge area.
- If you have any sensitivity to pressure.
- If the hot, cold or sweet sensitivity doesn’t disappear in a few weeks
- If you sense movement or looseness in the crown/bridge.
