When Getting a Crown for a Tooth: Understanding Temporary and Permanent Crowns

When getting a crown for a tooth, you might first receive a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being fabricated. This article aims to explain how long a temporary crown typically lasts, the differences between temporary and permanent crowns, and the importance of each step in the dental procedure.

Duration of a Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is typically used for a period of 1 to 3 weeks, allowing the permanent crown to be crafted and installed. The exact duration can vary depending on the dental office's schedule and the specific materials used. During this interim period, the temporary crown serves to protect the underlying tooth and maintain its aesthetic appearance.

Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Crowns

Material

Temporary Crowns: These are usually made from acrylic or composite resin. They are designed for short-term use and may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing as permanent crowns. They are often used during the fabrication of a permanent crown.

Permanent Crowns: These are made from stronger materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are designed for long-term use and can be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Permanent crowns are more robust and can withstand normal biting and chewing forces.

Durability

Temporary Crowns: These crowns are less durable and may wear down or break more easily. While they are intended for short-term use, they are not as robust as permanent crowns, which are designed to last for years with proper care.

Permanent Crowns: These crowns are more robust and can withstand the normal forces of biting and chewing. They are designed to last for many years, providing a permanent solution to restore the tooth's strength and appearance.

Fit and Comfort

Temporary Crowns: These crowns may not fit as snugly as permanent crowns and can feel bulkier. They may require some adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and do not cause discomfort while eating or speaking.

Permanent Crowns: These crowns are custom-fitted to the tooth, providing a more natural feel and appearance. They fit snugly and are designed to restore the tooth's full functionality, allowing for normal eating and speaking.

Functionality

Temporary Crowns: The main function of temporary crowns is to protect the underlying tooth and maintain aesthetics until the permanent crown is ready. They help prevent sensitivity and maintain the tooth's integrity during the interim period.

Permanent Crowns: These crowns fully restore the tooth's functionality, allowing for normal eating, speaking, and everyday activities. They are designed to provide a long-term solution that improves the quality of life of the patient.

Process of Getting a Crown

The process of getting a crown involves several steps. First, the tooth is prepared, and the dentin is exposed. The temporary crown is then placed over the tooth to protect it and maintain the space. In some dental offices, the tooth may be scanned and a permanent crown milled in-house from ceramic material, eliminating the need for a temporary crown, as the new ceramic crown is ready in about an hour.

The temporary crown is crucial for protecting the tooth from sensitivity caused by eating, drinking, and the use of a mouthguard when breathing through the mouth. It also helps prevent the tooth from drifting out of position, ensuring that the permanent crown can fit properly in its intended space.

Significance of Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns play a crucial role in the interim period, providing protection and maintaining the tooth's aesthetics. They may last a long time in some cases. For example, a friend had a temporary crown for three months before the permanent crown was installed. This duration highlights the importance of temporary crowns in maintaining the overall health and appearance of the tooth.

However, temporary crowns can also break easily and may only last a few weeks. Patients should be aware of this and take extra care to protect the temporary crown during this period. Regular follow-ups with the dental office are essential to ensure that the temporary crown remains in place and functions properly until the permanent crown is installed.

In conclusion, temporary and permanent crowns serve different purposes in the dental care process. Temporary crowns provide protection and maintain aesthetics, while permanent crowns offer durability, functionality, and a long-term solution. Understanding the differences between these two types of crowns is essential for patients undergoing dental treatments.