A temporary is a filling or a crown that is placed until the final restoration is ready to be bonded into place. It is normal for the gum tissue around your tooth to be a little sore when the anesthesia wears off. This will disappear by tomorrow. Do your best to chew on the opposite side until your next appointment. Chewing sticky foods can sometimes dislodge temporary restorations. It is not uncommon to have the following reactions or problems with your temporary.

Kathy from Ft Lauderdale had some questions about her temporary crown. Here is a list of some concerns that we hear from our patients and our responses to them.


It feels rough
Please call us if it is making the tongue sensitive.

It came off
This is probably the most common problem. Temporary restorations are supposed to come off easily and some foods will help in this. Stay away from sticky foods or gum. It’s important for it to be there. Often, you can place it back with little trouble. If you are unable to replace it, call us and we’ll take care of it for you.

It feels high
Come in so that it can be adjusted. A high temporary can cause painful bruising to the tooth.

It’s not how I want the final restoration to look
Don’t worry, the final restoration will look like your natural tooth.

It is sensitive
The temporary will not always fit as well as the final restoration, so there may be some sensitivity to hot, cold, and chewing. If it is too uncomfortable, please call.

The temporary is very important. It protects the exposed dentin, prevents food from gathering in the preparation and prevents the prepared tooth from shifting and moving. The temporary helps in making seating of the final restoration trouble free. Use your toothbrush to clean the temporary as you normally do your teeth, but don’t floss around the temporary, as you will dislodge it.

If you have any questions concerning the temporary, please feel free to call. Remember it will only be for a short time and it will all be worth it when you get your beautiful final restoration.