Temporary Cement for Permanent Crown, is That Standard Practice of Care?

Question

I have had temporary cement for my permanent crown for the past 4 months. When I went back to my dentist to have the permanent cement put in, her and the dental assistant both independently told me that most patients have a misunderstanding that temporary cement is not meant to last. They recommended that I leave in the temporary cement, which can supposedly last for years?? Is this standard practice of care or should I insist on having the permanent cement done?

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

If your crown is stable and not causing any sensitivity you should leave it alone.  The only time that crowns are typically cemented with a temporary cement is when the tooth has been sensitive in the temporary crown and suspect for a root canal. If the tooth settles down and the temporary cement has the crown secured then leave it.  If it ever comes off it would be easy to cement permanently at that time.  You should be aware that this temporary cement could hold for several years before becoming loose.  Good luck.

Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD · Answer

Some dentists place crowns initially just to make sure that there is no tooth fracture or if there is a possible need for root canal treatment. If everything is fine and the crown is secure you can leave it alone until it comesvloose. Some temp cements can last a long time. Just make sure the margins are closed

Susan G. Rifkin, DDS · Answer

If your permanent crown has been cemented with temporary cement, this should not be a reason for concern.  Temporary cement can be long lasting and is placed there for a reason. As many of the above dentists responded, it was probably because your doctor suspected that he/she may have to retrieve the crown at some point in time, or because you have had a sensitivity with the tooth, eilther to temperature or to pressure. Temporary cement will act to sedate the tooth in many instances and allow the tooth to calm down and feel good. No need to be overly concerned, if and when the temporary cement loosens, the crown can be permanently cemented if all is feeling well. I personally will temporlize a permanent crown for the same reasons and sometimes within 6 months to several years will replace the cement with permanent cement. You have been treated well. :)

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

I wonder why the tooth had been temporarily cemented in the first place.  Some temporary cement can last for a very long time.  We normally temporarily cement teeth that are suspected to have a fracture and may need a root canal or is symptomatic.  We leave it temporarily cemented until it comes loose.  If the crown is stable than leave it alone

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Under "normal" circumstances, a permanent crown over a natural tooth should ultimately be permanently cemented. Quite often, if there is an unresolved issue or problem with the tooth, the crown will be "tested" with a temporary cement. However, that cement should be replaced every 3-6 months, on average, in order to insure that there is no leakage goiung on. Ehen all issues have been resolved, then the crown should be permanently cemented unless you plan on changing the cement every 3-6 months.

Temporary Cement for Permanent Crown, is That Standard Practice of Care?

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Answer: Temporary Cement for a Permanent crown

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Temporary Cement for Permanent Crown, is That Standard Practice of Care?

Answers (8)

Answer: Temporary Cement for a Permanent crown

Answer: Temporary Cement for a Permanent crown

Answer: Temporary cement for a Permanent Crown

Answer: Temporary cement for a Permanent Crown

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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