Keep the temporary crown safe and call us as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can temporarily place it back with a small amount of toothpaste or denture adhesive to protect the prepared tooth. Don’t leave the tooth exposed for long, as it may become sensitive and the underlying tooth could shift slightly, which may affect the fit of your permanent crown.

Yes, but be careful. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, toffee, and chewing gum, as these can pull the temporary crown off. Chew on the opposite side when possible, and avoid biting into hard foods directly with the temporary. It is designed to protect your tooth short-term while the permanent crown is being made.

With good care, a dental crown can last 10–15 years or even longer. Factors that affect longevity include your oral hygiene, diet, and whether you grind your teeth. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the crown and the tooth underneath, catching any issues early before they become bigger problems.

Yes, modern porcelain crowns are carefully colour-matched to blend in with your surrounding teeth. The shade is selected at your appointment to ensure a natural appearance. Most people cannot tell the difference between a crown and a natural tooth once it is fitted.

Some sensitivity to hot, cold, and biting pressure is normal after crown preparation and usually settles within 1–2 weeks as the tooth adjusts. Using a sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne can help during this period. If sensitivity worsens or doesn’t improve after 2 weeks, contact us for an assessment.

The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath it can. Bacteria can get in at the margin where the crown meets the tooth if oral hygiene is neglected. This is why brushing, flossing around the crown, and attending regular check-ups are essential to protect the tooth underneath.

It is common for a new crown to feel slightly different at first. Give it 2–3 days to settle — your bite often adjusts naturally as you get used to the new shape. If it still feels high or uneven after a few days, come in for a quick adjustment. Leaving a high bite can cause ongoing pain and sensitivity, so don’t ignore it.

Treat your crown like a natural tooth — brush and floss around it daily, paying special attention to the gum line. Avoid biting very hard objects like ice, hard lollies, or using your teeth to open packaging. If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a night guard to protect both your crown and your natural teeth.

Yes, once your permanent crown is cemented in place, you can eat normally. Just be mindful of very hard foods like ice, nuts, and hard lollies, which can crack any tooth — crowned or natural. With sensible care, your crown should function just like the rest of your teeth.