Temporary crown care — eating, cleaning and what to do if it comes off

Key facts

• Temporary crowns usually stay one to two weeks
• Chew on the other side; avoid sticky and hard foods
• Floss and pull out sideways, not upwards
• If it comes off, keep it and call the clinic
• Throbbing pain, swelling or a high bite need review

What a temporary crown does

A temporary crown is usually made from acrylic or composite resin and held with a soft, temporary cement. It covers the prepared tooth to protect it from sensitivity and bacteria, keeps the gum around the tooth in shape, stops neighbouring and opposing teeth from shifting, and restores appearance and some chewing in the meantime. Because it must be removed easily at the fitting appointment, it is not as strong as the final crown and is not bonded firmly. This is why a little extra care is needed. If the temporary does its job, the final crown should slip into place accurately with minimal adjustment.

Eating with a temporary crown

Wait until the numbness has fully worn off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. For the next one to two weeks, chew mainly on the opposite side. Avoid sticky foods such as toffee, caramel and chewing gum, which can pull the temporary off, and very hard foods such as nuts, ice, hard bread crusts and popcorn kernels, which can crack it. Cut food into smaller pieces. Very hot or cold drinks may cause brief sensitivity. Dark drinks such as coffee or tea can stain some temporary materials slightly, but this does not matter as the temporary will be replaced.

Cleaning and flossing around it

Keep brushing the temporary crown twice a day with a soft toothbrush, paying gentle attention to the gum line, as plaque around the temporary can make the gum sore and bleed, which may affect the final fit. When flossing, pass the floss down between the teeth as usual, but instead of lifting it back up through the contact, which can catch the edge and lift the crown, let go of one end and pull the floss out sideways. Interdental brushes can also be used carefully. Warm salt-water rinses can soothe gum tenderness in the first few days. Avoid poking the temporary with toothpicks.

If the temporary crown breaks or falls out

Temporary crowns do come off occasionally. If this happens, keep the temporary, rinse it and store it safely, and call the clinic so it can be re-cemented or remade. Do not leave the prepared tooth uncovered for long: it can become sensitive, decay, and teeth may shift slightly so that the final crown no longer fits well. If you cannot be seen the same day, pharmacy temporary dental cement can hold the temporary in place briefly, provided it seats fully and your bite feels normal. Never use household glue. If the temporary cracks but stays on, avoid chewing on it and arrange a visit.

Normal feelings and warning signs

Mild sensitivity to temperature, slight gum tenderness and a feeling that the temporary is a little different in shape are all normal. Contact the clinic if the temporary feels high when you bite, if you have sharp pain on chewing, if sensitivity becomes stronger rather than weaker, or if pain begins to throb or wake you at night, as the nerve may be irritated. Swelling, a bad taste or a gum bump needs prompt assessment. At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, Dr. Manhal Helfawee reviews any concerns at the fitting visit or sooner, and adjusts the bite before the final crown is cemented.

A crown covers and strengthens a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Zirconia and porcelain options combine strength with a natural appearance.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.