Short answer: A temporary tooth is a short-term restoration made from acrylic or composite materials that is worn until the permanent crown, bridge or implant tooth is ready. It protects the prepared tooth, shapes the gums, keeps teeth from shifting and maintains appearance. It can be made at the clinic in the same visit or in a laboratory. For crowns it is usually worn for a few days to a few weeks, and for implants for a few months; sticky and hard foods should be avoided.
One of the terms patients planning crown, bridge or implant treatment often hear is "temporary." A temporary tooth, used to protect the teeth, maintain appearance and allow chewing until the permanent restoration is ready, is a small but important part of treatment. Many patients wonder how durable a temporary tooth is, how it is made and what they should watch for during this period. In this article we explain what a temporary tooth is, which treatments use it, how it is made and what to keep in mind while wearing it.
What is a temporary tooth?
A temporary tooth is a short-term restoration, usually made from acrylic or composite-based materials, that is worn in the mouth until the permanent crown, bridge or implant tooth is ready. It is also commonly known as a temporary cap or temporary crown.
The role of a temporary tooth is not limited to appearance:
- It protects the tooth: When the tooth surface prepared for a crown is left exposed, it can become sensitive to hot, cold and sweets. The temporary tooth covers this surface.
- It shapes the gums: It helps the gum tissues heal in a form suited to the permanent restoration.
- It holds the teeth in place: It prevents neighboring and opposing teeth from shifting toward the space of the prepared tooth.
- It supports chewing and speech: It helps keep speech unaffected, especially for front teeth.
- It offers a trial run: It gives the patient and dentist an idea of the shape, length and color of the new teeth. If needed, adjustments can be made before the permanent restoration.
Which treatments use it?
A temporary tooth can be used in almost any prosthetic treatment in which there is a waiting period while the permanent restoration is made. The main uses are:
Crown and bridge treatments
After the teeth are prepared for a crown or bridge and impressions are taken, temporary crowns are placed on the prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is made in the laboratory. This period usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks.
Implant treatments
There is usually a wait of a few months for the implant to fuse with the bone. During this time, especially in the front of the mouth, removable temporary dentures or, in suitable cases, temporary crowns placed on the implant can be used to meet aesthetic needs. Temporary crowns on implants also help the gums take on a natural-looking shape. Which option is suitable is determined by the dentist based on the implant's stability in the bone and the characteristics of the area.
Veneers and cosmetic treatments
In veneer (laminate porcelain) treatments, temporary veneers can be placed on the prepared front teeth. These temporaries allow the patient to experience their new smile before the permanent treatment.
Long-term treatment plans
In extensive treatments where the height of the bite is changed, when waiting for tissues to heal after gum treatment or in cases requiring assessment of the jaw joint, temporary teeth may be worn for months. In this case, long-term temporaries made from more durable materials are preferred.
How is a temporary tooth made?
Temporary teeth are either made directly at the clinic while the patient is in the chair or produced in a laboratory from an impression. The method is chosen based on how long the temporary will be worn and the aesthetic expectations.
Direct fabrication at the clinic
- Before the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken of the existing teeth or the planned tooth shape.
- The tooth is prepared for the crown.
- Temporary tooth material is placed into the impression, which is then seated over the prepared tooth.
- Once the material sets, it is removed, its edges are trimmed and it is polished.
- The bite is checked, and the temporary tooth is attached to the tooth with a special temporary cement that is easy to remove.
With this method, the temporary tooth can be made quickly in the same visit.
Laboratory fabrication
For temporaries that will be worn for a long time or for front-tooth restorations with high aesthetic expectations, temporary teeth can be made in the laboratory from more durable materials, often using digital design and manufacturing methods. These temporaries offer more advanced features in terms of color, shape and durability.
How long is a temporary tooth worn?
How long a temporary tooth is worn depends on the type of treatment; for crowns and bridges it is usually a few days to a few weeks, while for implant treatments it can be a few months. In extensive full-mouth rehabilitation, this period can be even longer.
As the name suggests, temporary teeth are designed for short-term use. Because they are made from softer materials than permanent restorations, they can wear down, change color and break over time. Under temporaries worn much longer than the dentist planned, decay can develop, the gums can become inflamed or the teeth can shift. That is why it is important not to postpone appointments for the permanent restoration.
What should you watch for while wearing a temporary tooth?
To keep a temporary tooth in place and intact, you need to avoid hard and sticky foods, clean it correctly and let your dentist know when there is a problem. Since temporary cement is designed to be easily removed when the permanent restoration is placed, a temporary tooth is more likely to come off than a permanent restoration.
Eating
- Stay away from sticky foods such as gum, Turkish delight and caramel.
- Do not bite into hard-shelled nuts, ice or hard candy.
- Chew on the other side as much as possible.
- Tea, coffee and smoking can make the temporary tooth change color faster.
Cleaning
- Brush the temporary tooth and the area around it gently with a soft brush.
- When flossing, slide the floss out from the side of the teeth instead of pulling it upward; this keeps the temporary tooth from being dislodged.
- Keep the gumline clean; gum health during the temporary period affects the fit of the permanent restoration.
If the temporary tooth falls out or breaks
- Do not throw the temporary tooth away; clean it, keep it in a container and call your dentist.
- Never glue the temporary tooth back with household adhesives; these products can damage the tooth and gums.
- When the prepared tooth is left exposed, it may become sensitive; avoid hot and cold foods and get an appointment as soon as possible.
- Leaving the temporary tooth out for a long time can cause the teeth to shift and compromise the fit of the permanent restoration.
If you notice a sharp edge on the temporary tooth, pain or swelling in the gums or a feeling that your bite is too high, it is advisable to tell your dentist without waiting for your next appointment. You can find answers to other questions about the treatment process on our frequently asked questions page.
What are the differences between a temporary and a permanent tooth?
Although temporary and permanent restorations may look similar, they differ in material, durability and how they are attached. Permanent crowns are made from durable materials such as porcelain, zirconia or glass ceramic and are placed with permanent cements. Temporary teeth, on the other hand, are designed to be lighter, softer and easier to remove. Differences in thickness, shape or color that you notice during the temporary period are corrected in the permanent restoration; that is why it is helpful to share your observations about the temporary tooth with your dentist.
When should you see a dentist in Ankara about temporary tooth problems?
If your temporary tooth has come off or broken, or if pain and sensitivity have started in the tooth underneath, it is advisable to be examined soon so that the teeth do not shift. At our polyclinic in Oran, we check your temporary tooth and re-cement or replace it if needed; you can reach us through our contact page to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my temporary tooth falls out?
Clean and keep the temporary tooth and see your dentist as soon as possible. Never glue it back with household adhesives; this can damage the tooth and gums. If the tooth is left exposed for a long time, sensitivity may occur and the teeth may shift.
Can I eat with a temporary tooth?
Yes, you can eat with a temporary tooth, but you need to avoid sticky and hard foods. If possible, chew on the other side. These precautions help prevent the temporary tooth from coming off or breaking.
Will the temporary tooth be the same color as the permanent tooth?
Temporary teeth are matched as closely as possible to the color of the neighboring teeth, but because of the difference in material, they may not look exactly the same as the permanent restoration. They can change color over time. The color of the permanent restoration is chosen separately and checked at the try-in stage.
Is pain in the tooth under a temporary crown normal?
Mild sensitivity may occur in the first days after the tooth is prepared and usually eases quickly. If there is severe, throbbing or increasing pain or swelling, you should see your dentist. This may require the tooth to be assessed.
