What is a temporary crown? Why do you need one?
A temporary crown (also called a provisional crown) is a restoration attached to the prepared tooth between the preparation visit and the cementation of the final crown, and it serves three roles at once: biological, functional and aesthetic.
Biological
The temporary crown gives physical, chemical and thermal protection to the exposed dentin and pulp after the tooth has been prepared (see tooth anatomy). Exposed dentin without proper cover can cause tooth sensitivity and even inflammation of the pulp.
Functional
The crown keeps the tooth stable in relation to its neighbors and allows normal chewing.
Aesthetic
It allows a visual check of the shade and shape, and restores confidence, before the permanent restoration is placed.
Contrary to a common belief, a temporary crown is not a minor stopgap: it is an integral part of treatment planning. Because the clinic has its own on-site dental lab, when the case allows it a same-day crown can be made with CAD/CAM technology, and a temporary crown is then usually not needed.
Why the fit of a temporary crown matters
A temporary crown that does not fit tightly at its edges lets plaque build up, which can cause gingivitis and sensitivity.
In the dental literature, a marginal gap of up to 120 µm (micrometers) is considered clinically acceptable, and some researchers recommend less than 100 µm (Galbraith et al., Dentistry Journal, 2025).
≤120 µm
acceptable marginal gap
When the marginal gap exceeds this threshold, bacterial biofilm can build up in the space between the crown and the gum, causing inflammation and harming the tissues around the tooth before the permanent crown is placed. This is why marginal fit is one of the key criteria for a temporary crown.
In a laboratory study, the margins of temporary crowns made from 4 commercial materials showed discrepancies of 71–106 µm right after fabrication and 83–128 µm after 30 minutes (Amin et al., Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2015), findings that show the importance of choosing a suitable material and careful planning.
What is a temporary crown made of?
The main materials for temporary crowns are PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) acrylic and Bis-GMA and UDMA composite resins. Each has a different performance profile, and the choice depends on the patient's needs. The data in the table come from laboratory studies.
| Material | Performance profile |
|---|---|
| PMMA | 19.3% higher retention than bis-acryl composite crowns (Lepe et al., Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 1999); mean marginal discrepancy of 84.56 µm with the direct technique (Naqash et al., Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019). |
| Bis-GMA | Mean marginal discrepancy of 67.15 µm with the direct technique: the most accurate of the three materials tested (Naqash et al., 2019). |
| UDMA | Mean marginal discrepancy of 71.01 µm with the direct technique (Naqash et al., 2019). |
In a laboratory study, the maximum force that fractured temporary crowns ranged from 711 to 1,392 newtons depending on the material, and composite materials were more resistant than PMMA (Karaokutan et al., Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, 2015).
How to take care of a temporary crown until the permanent crown
After a temporary crown is cemented, a few specific instructions help preserve its fit and prevent it from coming off early.
A temporary crown is made of relatively soft materials, and the temporary cement is designed to allow easy removal later, which also makes the crown more vulnerable to mechanical forces. So:
- Avoid sticky and hard foods: gummy candy, seeds, hard bread and tough meat can pull the crown off the tooth; chew on the other side of the mouth when possible.
- Brush gently: use a soft toothbrush, including around the crown: poor cleaning lets biofilm build up around the crown margins.
- Floss carefully: slide the floss between the teeth and pull it out sideways, rather than lifting it up next to the crown.
- Avoid very hot drinks: extreme temperature changes can affect the temporary cement.
- Do not bite your nails: sideways forces can loosen or break the temporary crown.
When to call the clinic
- The temporary crown has come off or moved.
- The crown is broken or cracked.
- Pain that does not go away, pain when biting, or a feeling that the crown is too high.
- Swollen or sore gums around the crown.
Clinic phone: 03-912-1879; urgent cases are seen the same day during opening hours.
Patients undergoing a complex full mouth rehabilitation, for example with several teeth prepared at the same time, receive more detailed instructions based on their personal treatment plan.
Temporary crown on a natural tooth
After root canal treatment, a tooth loses its blood supply and can become more brittle.
A temporary crown on a root-canal-treated tooth gives immediate protection to the thin tooth structure left after preparation.
Unlike a temporary crown on a vital tooth, the biological risk is different here: there is no pulp to protect, but a fracture could lead to irreversible tooth loss. Keeping the natural tooth is a central goal, so the temporary crown is carefully chosen and adjusted for each case. You can learn more about dental crowns and plan the right treatment at a personal consultation.
Temporary crown on a dental implant
A temporary crown on an implant has an extra role: it helps shape the gum tissue around the implant during healing, before the permanent crown is placed.
A concrete example: a patient recovering from a dental implant wears a temporary crown for weeks to months. During this time, the shape of the temporary crown guides how the gum tissue grows and is contoured, a process known as papilla management. A poorly fitted temporary crown at this stage can lead to gum recession that also affects the permanent crown.
Compared with a permanent zirconia crown, built to last for years, a temporary crown on an implant is made of materials that are easier to work with, so it can be modified and adjusted repeatedly during healing.
When is a temporary crown used for longer?
In some clinical situations, the temporary crown is not replaced within days or a few weeks but stays in place for a longer period.
- Complex rehabilitation: when planning a full mouth rehabilitation, function and appearance need a longer assessment before the permanent crowns are approved.
- Change in the bite: when the bite height (vertical dimension) is changed, the temporary crowns are tested for a while to assess adaptation.
- Children and teenagers: before growth is complete, a temporary crown may be used until a permanent restoration can be made in adulthood.
- Complex medical situation: patients with general health conditions that delay an implant may need a temporary crown for a longer period.
When a temporary crown is worn for a long time, the dentist checks it and replaces it as needed, because temporary materials wear and can crack or loosen over time.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Temporary crown or permanent crown?
Moving to a permanent crown depends on three criteria: healthy gum tissues, a confirmed marginal fit, and the patient's approval of the appearance.
| Criterion | Temporary crown | Permanent crown |
|---|---|---|
| How long it is worn | Usually days to a few weeks; longer in complex rehabilitation or around an implant | Long term, with regular check-ups |
| Material | Acrylic (PMMA) or composite resins (Bis-GMA, UDMA) | Zirconia, lithium disilicate (E.max) or porcelain-fused-to-metal |
| Strength | Relatively low: wears, and can crack or loosen over time | High: designed to withstand chewing forces for years |
The permanent crown (for example an E.max crown or a zirconia crown) should not be postponed longer than necessary: once the tissues are stable and the treatment plan is confirmed, the final crown is placed promptly.
What to do if a temporary crown falls off
A temporary crown coming loose is one of the most common events in dental treatment.
In a study of about 1,000 temporary crowns in dental student clinics, about 19% failed (came loose or broke) and needed further treatment, and the median time to failure was 12 days (Hyde et al., Journal of Dental Education, 2007).
A temporary crown that falls off should be put back or replaced promptly, to protect the prepared tooth and prevent it from shifting.
In practice, keep the crown and call the clinic. If it is intact, it can usually be re-cemented; if it broke, it is replaced with a new temporary crown. If you cannot come in right away, the dentist may sometimes advise you to put the crown back temporarily with a temporary dental cement from the pharmacy until it can be cemented professionally. Never use household glue.
To book a consultation with Dr Haim Aseriel, an English-speaking dentist in Jerusalem, contact the clinic at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot: after the examination you receive a detailed treatment plan and a written estimate.
Temporary crowns: frequently asked questions
A temporary crown is necessary because a prepared tooth left uncovered can become sensitive, the pulp can become irritated, and the tooth can shift so that the permanent crown no longer fits. The temporary crown also restores chewing and appearance, and lets you and the dentist check the shape and shade before the final crown is made.
How long you wear a temporary crown depends on the time needed to make the permanent crown and on the condition of the tooth; it is usually a matter of days to a few weeks. In complex rehabilitation or around a dental implant, a temporary crown may stay longer, in which case the dentist checks it and replaces it as needed.
Gluing a temporary crown back on yourself is not recommended without first talking to the clinic. If the crown comes off, keep it and call: it is usually re-cemented at the clinic, and if you cannot come in right away, the dentist will tell you what to do until your visit. Never use household glue, which can damage the tooth and gums and stop the crown from fitting.
A temporary crown should not hurt. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common in the first days, because the tooth has been prepared and its protection is only temporary. Severe pain, pain when biting, or a feeling that the crown is too high means you should contact the clinic so the fit can be checked.
A temporary crown is matched in shade and shape to the neighboring teeth, so even on a front tooth it usually looks acceptable when you smile. However, its material is less translucent and less stain-resistant than a permanent crown, and it does not fully reproduce the final appearance.
Sources
- Hyde JD et al., Journal of Dental Education, 2007 – Link to study
- Amin BM et al., Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2015 – Link to study
- Galbraith A et al., Dentistry Journal, 2025 – Link to study
- Naqash TA et al., Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019 – Link to study
- Karaokutan I et al., Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, 2015 – Link to study
- Lepe X et al., Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 1999 – Link to study
