Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is a removable, short-term cap that fits over a prepared tooth to protect it while a permanent crown is fabricated. Typically made from acrylic or composite resin and attached with temporary cement, a temporary crown protects exposed dentine, maintains the correct tooth position in the arch, preserves chewing function and helps with appearance during the interim period, usually lasting from a few days to several weeks.

Temporary crowns can be created chairside by the dentist using preformed shells or from impressions or digital scans sent to a lab, and they are designed for easy removal when the final restoration is ready; patients should avoid sticky or hard foods and maintain gentle oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dislodgement. If a temporary crown becomes loose, breaks, or causes persistent pain or sensitivity, contacting the dental professional promptly is important to prevent damage or infection of the prepared tooth.