Do I really need a temporary tooth when getting a crown?

If the crown cannot be completed on the day of treatment, a temporary tooth is essential. Where a same-day system is in place - as at Seoul Maeil Dental Hospital, which can fabricate and fit a crown within 1 to 2 hours on the day of treatment - the temporary tooth stage is not needed. The reason a temporary tooth is otherwise necessary is that a tooth prepared for a crown has exposed dentin, making it sensitive to cold and vulnerable to bacteria, and if the space is left empty during the usual 1 to 2 weeks of fabrication, the neighboring and opposing teeth shift slightly, so the finished crown may no longer fit. While wearing a temporary tooth, 1) avoid sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gum), 2) do not chew hard foods on that side, and 3) pass floss out sideways rather than pulling it upward. However, if the temporary tooth comes off or breaks, come in right away to have it re-attached before the teeth move.