- Your temporary protects the tooth and holds the space for your permanent crown
- If it falls off — don't panic, call us right away
- Avoid sticky and hard foods until your permanent crown is placed
- Going without it too long can cause the tooth to shift or become painful
While your permanent crown is being made, you'll wear a temporary one. It's a placeholder, but it's an important little thing — so let's talk about what it does and how to take care of it.
Why Your Temporary Crown Matters
Your temporary crown is doing three big jobs:
- Protecting your tooth. It keeps the prepared tooth safe and cuts down on sensitivity.
- Holding the space. It keeps your tooth and the teeth around it in the right spot so your permanent crown fits well.
- Letting you chew. It helps you eat comfortably while you wait for the final crown.
If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off
First things first — don't panic. It happens, and it's usually an easy fix. Just act quickly:
- Call us right away. We'll get you scheduled to reattach or replace it.
- Keep the crown. If it's still in one piece, pop it in a safe container and bring it to your appointment.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods until it's back in place, so the exposed tooth stays protected.
Why You Shouldn't Wait
Going without your temporary for too long can cause problems. The tooth may:
- Become sensitive or painful.
- Shift, which can make it harder to fit your permanent crown.
- Be more open to damage or decay.
That's why a quick call to us is always the right move.
What Happens at Your Second Crown Appointment?
At your second visit, we remove your temporary crown and cement your permanent one in place. The whole appointment usually takes about 30–45 minutes. We check the fit, make sure your bite feels right, and polish everything up before you leave. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable it is — and how natural the final crown looks and feels.
Once your permanent crown is cemented, you can eat and drink normally within an hour. Some mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for the first week or two while the tooth settles in.
How Long Does a Crown Take From Start to Finish?
Most crown cases at Rabbit Creek Dental take two appointments spaced about two to three weeks apart — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and one to place the final crown. Some practices offer same-day crowns with in-office milling, but at Rabbit Creek Dental we send your crown to a dental lab so it's crafted to the highest precision for fit, function, and appearance.
The temporary crown bridges that gap so your tooth stays protected and you can chew normally while you wait. If you have questions about your timeline or what to expect at your second appointment, just give us a call at (251) 308-0584.
Frequently Asked Questions
A little. It's not your final crown, so it may feel slightly different when you chew. That's normal for the short time you'll have it.
Mostly, yes — just steer clear of sticky and hard foods that could pull it off or damage the tooth underneath.
No need to wait. Give us a call and we'll get it taken care of so your tooth stays protected.
Call us as soon as you can. We can reattach the old one or make you a new one. The main thing is not to leave the tooth uncovered for long.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.