How to Make a Temporary Crown: A Guide for Dental Assistants
Dental assistants play a crucial role in the dental office, often assisting with a variety of tasks, including the preparation and application of temporary crowns. Temporary crowns are used to protect the tooth while a permanent crown is being made. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a temporary crown, ensuring that dental assistants can perform this task efficiently and effectively.
Understanding the Purpose of a Temporary Crown
Before diving into the process of making a temporary crown, it’s important to understand its purpose. Temporary crowns are used to protect the tooth during the time it takes to create a permanent crown. They can also help maintain the shape and position of the tooth, as well as prevent any pain or sensitivity that may occur during the healing process.
Materials Needed
To make a temporary crown, dental assistants will need the following materials:
– Impression material (alginate, silicone, or vinyl polysiloxane)
– Temporary crown material (usually acrylic or composite resin)
– Articulator
– Articulating paper
– Crown matrix
– Crown trimming scissors
– Bonding agent
– Curing light
– Handpiece and diamonds
– Finishing bur
– Etching gel
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Temporary Crown
1. Take an Impression: Begin by taking an accurate impression of the prepared tooth. Use the appropriate impression material and technique to ensure a good fit.
2. Model the Temporary Crown: Pour the impression into a model material, such as alginate, to create a duplicate of the tooth.
3. Trim the Impression: Trim the impression to remove any excess material, leaving only the tooth and the adjacent teeth to be crowned.
4. Create the Temporary Crown: Place the trimmed impression onto the articulator and select the appropriate size and shape of the temporary crown material. Roll the material into a ball and press it onto the prepared tooth, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
5. Shape the Temporary Crown: Use the crown matrix to shape the temporary crown, making sure it fits properly over the tooth and adjacent teeth. Trim any excess material with the trimming scissors.
6. Bond the Temporary Crown: Apply a bonding agent to the prepared tooth and the inside of the temporary crown. Ensure the bonding agent is evenly distributed.
7. Cure the Temporary Crown: Use the curing light to harden the bonding agent and secure the temporary crown in place.
8. Adjust the Temporary Crown: Check the fit of the temporary crown by biting down and adjusting as necessary. Ensure the crown is comfortable and does not interfere with the patient’s bite.
9. Finish the Temporary Crown: Use the handpiece and diamonds to smooth the edges of the temporary crown. Then, use the finishing bur to achieve a natural appearance.
10. Etch the Temporary Crown: Apply etching gel to the temporary crown and let it sit for the recommended time. This step is crucial for ensuring the permanent crown will bond properly.
11. Clean the Temporary Crown: Rinse the temporary crown thoroughly to remove any remaining etching gel.
12. Deliver the Temporary Crown: Hand the temporary crown to the dentist for final inspection and approval.
By following these steps, dental assistants can successfully make a temporary crown, ensuring the patient’s comfort and the overall success of the dental treatment.
