Temporary Crown Guide in Spokane, WA | Dental Care of Spokane

Getting a dental crown is a common procedure, but the temporary phase often catches patients off guard. Your temporary crown survival guide for eating, cleaning, and emergency tips in Spokane starts right here. Dr. Logan Behrmann and the team at Dental Care of Spokane want you to feel confident and comfortable during this waiting period. With the right care, you can protect your tooth and avoid setbacks before your permanent crown arrives.

What Is a Temporary Crown and Why Do You Need One?

A temporary crown is a short-term restoration placed over a prepared tooth. It protects the tooth while your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental lab. Labs typically need one to three weeks to fabricate your final restoration. During that window, the temporary crown holds everything in place.

Temporary crowns are made from acrylic or composite resin. They are not as strong or durable as permanent crowns. That is why specific care instructions matter so much during this phase. Treating your temporary like a permanent crown is one of the most common mistakes patients make.

The temporary also helps your gum tissue maintain its shape around the tooth. Losing it — even briefly — can allow the gum to shift. That small change can affect how well your permanent crown fits. Keeping your temporary intact is genuinely important for the final result.

Eating With a Temporary Crown: What to Avoid in Spokane

Food choices make a significant difference during the temporary crown phase. Certain foods can loosen, crack, or completely dislodge your temporary. Dr. Behrmann recommends being especially cautious in the first 24 hours after placement. The temporary cement needs time to fully set.

Here are foods and habits to avoid while wearing a temporary crown:

Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum
Hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and raw carrots
Chewy foods like bagels, steak, and dried fruit
Biting directly into apples or corn on the cob
Chewing ice — a surprisingly common habit that causes damage

You do not need to survive on soup alone. Soft foods work well and keep you comfortable. Think scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt, steamed vegetables, and soft fish. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth also helps reduce stress on the temporary crown.

Hot and cold sensitivity is normal with a temporary crown. Avoid extreme temperatures when you can. If sensitivity becomes sharp or persistent, contact Dental Care of Spokane right away.

Cleaning Your Temporary Crown the Right Way

Oral hygiene does not stop because you have a temporary crown. In fact, keeping the area clean helps prevent gum irritation and decay beneath the restoration. Brush gently around the temporary crown twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure.

Flossing requires a small adjustment in technique. Do not pull floss upward when removing it from between the teeth near your temporary. Pulling straight up can dislodge the crown by catching on the edges. Instead, slide the floss gently to the side and out.

Follow these simple cleaning steps daily:

Brush gently around the crown with a soft-bristled brush
Use a fluoride toothpaste as normal
Floss carefully — slide out to the side, never yank upward
Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash to reduce bacteria
Avoid water flossers on high pressure near the temporary

Alcohol-based mouthwashes can soften the temporary cement over time. A gentle, alcohol-free rinse is a safer choice. Good daily hygiene protects both the temporary crown and the underlying tooth structure.

Emergency Tips: What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off

A loose or missing temporary crown is one of the most common dental concerns we hear about in Spokane. It feels alarming, but it is manageable if you act quickly. The most important thing is not to ignore it. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, shifting, and damage.

Here is what to do if your temporary crown comes off:

Keep the crown — do not throw it away
Rinse both the crown and your mouth gently with warm water
Try to temporarily reposition the crown over the tooth if possible
Use a small amount of dental cement or denture adhesive from a pharmacy as a short-term fix
Avoid eating on that side of your mouth
Call Dental Care of Spokane as soon as possible for a same-day or next-day appointment

Over-the-counter dental cement is a stopgap only. It is not a replacement for professional reattachment. Do not use super glue or household adhesives — this can damage both the crown and the tooth. Dr. Behrmann can usually re-cement a temporary crown quickly during a short visit.

If the tooth feels sharp or painful without the crown, protect it with orthodontic wax as a temporary measure. Contact the office right away if you experience significant pain, swelling, or bleeding.

How Long Will You Wait for Your Permanent Crown?

Most patients wait between one and three weeks for their permanent crown. The exact timeline depends on the dental lab and the complexity of your restoration. Dr. Behrmann’s team will give you a specific expected timeframe at your preparation appointment. Knowing the schedule helps you plan and stay patient.

During this waiting period, some sensitivity around the prepared tooth is completely normal. The tooth has been reshaped and is temporarily unprotected underneath the acrylic cap. Light sensitivity to temperature or pressure usually fades once the permanent crown is placed. Persistent or worsening pain is worth a quick call to the office.

While you wait, this is a great time to think about your overall smile goals. Many patients who need a crown also explore options like Veneers or other Cosmetic Dentistry treatments to enhance their smile beyond the single tooth being restored. The team at Dental Care of Spokane is happy to discuss those options at your follow-up visit.

Your permanent crown appointment is typically shorter than the preparation visit. The temporary is removed, the permanent crown is checked for fit and color, and it is cemented into place. Most patients leave that appointment feeling immediate relief and satisfaction with the result.

Trust Dr. Logan Behrmann and Dental Care of Spokane

Navigating the temporary crown phase is easier when you have a trusted dental team behind you. Dr. Logan Behrmann and the staff at Dental Care of Spokane are here to answer your questions at every step. Whether you have a food concern, a cleaning question, or a crown emergency, do not hesitate to reach out. We serve patients across Spokane, WA with personalized, attentive care.

Your oral health during this waiting period directly affects the success of your permanent crown. Follow the guidance in this temporary crown survival guide, and you will protect your investment. Small daily habits make a big difference over those one to three weeks. We are proud to support every patient through this process with education, encouragement, and expert care.

Ready to move forward with your dental treatment? Book Now to schedule your appointment with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat normally with a temporary crown?

You can eat most soft foods comfortably with a temporary crown. Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods that could loosen or crack the temporary. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth is also a helpful strategy during this phase.

What happens if I leave my temporary crown off for too long?

Leaving the exposed tooth without a temporary crown can allow the surrounding teeth and gum tissue to shift. This shifting may affect how well your permanent crown fits. It also leaves the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and potential damage. Contact Dental Care of Spokane as soon as your temporary falls off.

Is it normal for a temporary crown to feel different than my natural tooth?

Yes, it is completely normal. Temporary crowns are made from acrylic and may feel slightly bulky or different in your bite. Minor sensitivity to temperature is also common. If your bite feels significantly off or pain is severe, call Dr. Behrmann’s office so they can make a quick adjustment.

How long does a temporary crown last?

Temporary crowns are designed to last only a few weeks — just long enough for your permanent crown to be fabricated. They are not built for long-term durability. If your permanent crown is delayed for any reason, let your dentist know so they can monitor or replace the temporary as needed.

Can I use whitening toothpaste on my temporary crown?

It is best to avoid whitening toothpaste while wearing a temporary crown. Whitening agents can affect the surface of the acrylic material. Stick with a standard fluoride toothpaste for the duration of the temporary phase. You can discuss whitening options with Dr. Behrmann once your permanent crown is placed.