How long do dental crowns last?

Modern dental crowns last 10–15 years on average, and many last 20+ years with proper care. Factors that affect longevity include oral hygiene, teeth grinding, and diet.

What if my temporary crown falls off?

Call us right away to have it recemented. In the meantime, you can use denture adhesive or toothpaste to temporarily reattach it. Do not leave the prepared tooth exposed for an extended period, as it may become sensitive or shift.

Is it normal for a crown to feel different?

Yes — a new crown may feel slightly different for the first 1–2 days as your tongue and bite adjust. If the crown still feels high or uncomfortable after 3 days, come in for a quick bite adjustment (takes just a few minutes).

Can I get a cavity under a crown?

Yes. While the crown itself does not decay, the natural tooth underneath can develop a cavity where the crown meets the tooth (the margin). Daily flossing around the crown is the best way to prevent this.

Aftercare Guide

After Getting Your Dental Crown

From temporary crown care to long-term maintenance of your permanent restoration, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth experience and lasting results.

1–3 days (sensitivity), 1–3 weeks (temporary phase)|Permanent crown placement in 1–3 weeks. Follow-up bite check as needed. Regular 6-month checkups thereafter.

Your Crown Care Timeline

Temporary Crown Phase (1–3 Weeks)

Protecting Your Temporary

Your temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is fabricated in the lab (typically 1–3 weeks).
Chew on the opposite side to avoid dislodging the temporary.
Avoid sticky foods (gum, caramel, taffy) that can pull the temporary off.
Brush gently around the temporary. When flossing, pull the floss out sideways rather than snapping it up — snapping can dislodge the crown.
If the temporary comes off, call us right away. You can temporarily recement it with denture adhesive or toothpaste until your appointment.

What to expect: Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal with a temporary crown. The fit may feel slightly different from your natural tooth. The temporary is not as strong as the permanent — treat it gently.

Day of Permanent Crown Placement

Permanent Crown Seated

Local anesthesia is used to remove the temporary and seat the permanent crown. Wait until numbness wears off before eating.
The permanent crown is cemented with a strong, long-lasting adhesive.
Your bite will be checked and adjusted. If the crown feels high when you bite down after the appointment, call us for a quick adjustment.

What to expect: The permanent crown may feel slightly different from your natural tooth for the first day or two. Your tongue will quickly adapt. Mild sensitivity is normal and resolves within 1–3 days.

Days 1–7

Adjustment Period

Mild sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal. Use desensitizing toothpaste if needed.
Avoid very hard or crunchy foods on the crowned tooth for the first week.
Brush and floss normally, including around the crown.
If your bite still feels uneven after 2–3 days, contact us for a minor adjustment.

What to expect: The crown should feel increasingly natural. Any sensitivity should be mild and decreasing. Within a week, most patients forget they even have a crown.

Long-Term Care

Protecting Your Crown

Treat your crown like a natural tooth — brush, floss, and get regular checkups.
The crown itself will not decay, but the tooth beneath it can. Flossing at the gum line is essential to prevent decay at the crown margins.
If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard protects the crown from fracture.
Crowns typically last 10–15 years, and many last 20+ years with proper care.

What to expect: A well-maintained crown should function and look like a natural tooth for many years. Modern ceramic crowns are color-stable and highly durable.

Do's and Don'ts

Do

Chew on the opposite side during the temporary crown phase
Pull floss out sideways around temporary crowns (do not snap upward)
Contact us immediately if your temporary crown comes off
Brush and floss around the permanent crown daily
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Keep regular dental checkups for crown inspection
Report any persistent bite issues within the first week

Don't

Do not eat sticky foods (gum, caramel, toffee) with a temporary crown
Do not chew hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts) on the crowned tooth for the first week
Do not ignore a high bite — an uneven bite can cause jaw pain and crown damage
Do not use your crowned tooth to open bottles, bite nails, or tear packages
Do not skip flossing around the crown — the margins are vulnerable to decay

Diet Guidance

With Temporary Crown

Safe to Eat

Soft foods on the crown side
Chew primarily on the opposite side
All beverages are fine

Avoid

Sticky foods — gum, caramel, taffy, fruit snacks
Hard or crunchy foods — nuts, hard pretzels, ice
Biting into hard foods with front teeth (if front crown)

First Week After Permanent Crown

Safe to Eat

Soft to moderate foods — gradually increasing firmness
All normal beverages

Avoid

Very hard or crunchy foods on the crowned tooth
Extremely sticky foods

Long-Term

Safe to Eat

Normal diet — no permanent restrictions
Enjoy all foods as you would with natural teeth

Avoid

Chewing ice (common cause of crown fracture)
Using teeth as tools

Pain Management

Mild sensitivity after permanent crown placement is normal and resolves in 1–3 days

Desensitizing toothpaste helps manage any lingering temperature sensitivity

Ibuprofen 400mg provides relief if gums are tender from the seating process

If biting causes sharp pain, your bite may need a minor adjustment — contact us

When to Contact Us

Your temporary crown comes off or feels loose
Your permanent crown feels higher than your other teeth (uneven bite)
Sharp pain when biting — not just sensitivity
The crown feels loose or moves
Persistent sensitivity that has not improved after 2 weeks
Gum tissue around the crown is red, swollen, or bleeding

Emergency note: If your temporary crown comes off, save it and call us during business hours for recementation. Apply denture adhesive as a temporary fix. This is not a medical emergency but should be addressed promptly.

Questions About Your Recovery?

Every patient heals differently. If something does not feel right or you need reassurance, our team is here for you. Book a follow-up with Dr. Fatima.

Contact Our Office

Other Aftercare Guides

Dental Implant Surgery Root Canal Tooth Extraction After Professional Teeth Whitening Your Invisalign Care Guide Caring for Your New Veneers After Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)All Aftercare Guides

After Getting Your Dental Crown

From temporary crown care to long-term maintenance of your permanent restoration, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth experience and lasting results.

1–3 days (sensitivity), 1–3 weeks (temporary phase)|Permanent crown placement in 1–3 weeks. Follow-up bite check as needed. Regular 6-month checkups thereafter.

After Getting Your Dental Crown