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Your dentists, Drs. Holmes and Holmes, frequently employs a two-stage process to restore a tooth with a dental crown. The first step involves creating an abutment out of the core of the tooth by removing the tooth enamel. Then, they will take an impression of the area and will secure a hard, plastic cap, which is called a temporary crown, in place. This will protect the abutment while the dental lab technician creates your new crown.

It’s important to remember that the temporary crown does not effectively restore the tooth’s ability to bite, grind or chew. If your temporary crown is damaged or if it falls out, it can seriously damage the abutment and lead to significant complications.

You should try to avoid chewing gum and eating sticky foods on that side of your mouth. The suction this causes could potentially pull the temporary crown loose. At the same time, biting down on hard foods, crunching on ice or chewing on foreign objects could possibly crack the biting surface of the temporary crown and damage the abutment.

Maintaining healthy gums will also help your new crown seat comfortably in the socket. The temporary crown will still need to be brushed and flossed twice a day as if it was a real tooth. Many people find that waxed floss is easier to work in and around tight spaces.

If you have a question about how to best maintain your temporary crown in Fort Collins, Colorado, you can always call 970-221-2499 to speak to a member of our Holmes Dental team.