A temporary crown is usually made to protect a tooth while permanent dental restorations are made in a dental laboratory. It also holds the tooth in place so it doesn't move. If the temporary is lost, the dental crown won't fit and the dentist will have start over again. Be sure to call your dentist immediately if this happens. Without protection, an exposed tooth would be constantly irritated by hot and cold foods and may become painful and possibly die.

          A temporary crown can be used for other purposes. It can be made instead of a real restoration when a patient can not afford a permanent one but needs something now. In cosmetic cases, a cosmetic dentist can make the temporary from an aesthetic diagnostic wax up that the patient has approved. Because the temporary has the same shape, size and contours as the final one, it allows the patient to evaluate her new smile before the final restoration is made.

         A temporary crown can come off so it is important to baby this tooth while waiting for the permanent crown restoration. Avoid chewing stick foods that can pull the restoration off or hard foods that can crack the plastic. When possible, chew on the other side of your mouth to reduce the possibility of any problems. Brush your temporary and keep it clean just like you do your natural teeth. However, if you floss, do not pull the floss upward since this can pop the temporary off.

         The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. A temporary crown can be made from dental acrylic or dental composite material. Regardless of the material used, it must be highly polished to avoid irritating the gums and possibly causing receding gums. If you are interested in having Dr. Padolsky design a new beautiful smile for you, schedule your free cosmetic consultation with our Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, call 404-874-7428 to schedule.