Temporary Crown Fell Off? What You Can Do Immediately
When you’ve damaged your tooth to the point that you need a crown, it’s more than a one-visit fix.
Your dentist usually has to order a crown designed especially for you, and it takes time. During the wait, they’ll put a temporary one in place.
Because they’re not meant to be a permanent solution, your temporary crown just might fall off. Although it’s scary when it happens, it’s not the end of the world.
If you can’t get to your dentist right away, here are some things you can do in the meantime.
Does a fallen temporary crown qualify as a dental emergency?
Dentists use temporary crowns to protect your damaged tooth before a permanent crown is available. Despite how you may feel in the moment, a temporary crown falling off isn’t an emergency.
Wait until regular business hours and then contact your dentist’s office to let them know what happened. They’ll usually try to get you in as soon as they can.
What to do after your temporary crown falls off
Waiting to see your dentist after a temporary crown has fallen off can feel like an eternity. But here are some steps you can take afterward to help make the recovery process smoother.
1. Find and recover the fallen crown
When a temporary crown falls off, you’ll want to make sure you find it. As long as it isn’t cracked or chipped, you can most likely reuse it. If it is broken or damaged, rinse out your mouth to get out any pieces left behind.
2. Rinse and clean off your temporary crown
Whatever the status of your temporary crown, rinse it off with warm water. Check the appliance for damage. If there’s damage, make sure it’s clean and dry and store it in a plastic bag.
3. Make sure your original tooth is undamaged
The amount of force it usually takes to dislodge a temporary crown could also damage the tooth. Your dentist probably smoothed it out and sealed it in preparation for your permanent crown. However, the cement used to adhere it could be sharp or shaped irregularly. If that’s the case, you can apply orthodontic wax to protect your mouth.
4. If possible, adhere the temporary crown to your original tooth
Remember that the temporary crown’s purpose is to protect the tooth while a permanent crown is made. If it’s undamaged and can fit back on the tooth, use temporary cement or denture adhesive to stick it on. While this won’t have the same durability as the original, it’ll prevent further damage.
Take the temporary appliance out when eating and sleeping to prevent accidental swallowing. Make a call to your dentist’s office as soon as possible.
5. Rinse the area frequently until you get to the dentist
Keeping the site around your original tooth clean is vital to prevent infection. Rinse with mouthwash or water to keep food particles away.
6. Call your dentist and schedule an appointment
The tips we’ve discussed work in a pinch, but your dentist is your best resource. As soon as you can, give them a call and schedule an appointment. If you can’t re-apply the crown due to damage, bring it in.
How to care for your temporary crown
The best way to deal with a temporary crown falling off is prevention. It might look like your regular tooth, but it’s much more fragile and needs special care.
Take precautions when brushing and flossing
Brushing and flossing are part of regular oral hygiene. When you’ve got a temporary crown, though, you’ll need to tread lightly around it. Dental floss can pop a temporary crown off if done improperly. Instead of pulling the floss upwards, gently remove it from around the appliance. And brush gently around the area so you don’t knock it loose.
Pay attention to what you eat
Certain foods also cause problems for dental devices like temporary crowns. Sticky foods like gum and caramel can pull a crown out easily. Bread products that mold around your teeth can cause a similar issue. Additionally, hard foods like hard candy, ice, and raw vegetables can damage temporary dental cement.
Even if you’ve replaced a temporary crown, you’re still missing a biting surface in your mouth. Avoid chewing on that side to prevent further damage.
Coral Reef Dental is here to help you if your temporary crown falls out!
Losing even a temporary crown can be an inconvenient and sometimes frustrating problem. At Coral Reef Dental, we’re ready to help. With almost 40 years of experience, Dr. Caputo is the expert you need. Whether you simply need help re-adhering the temporary appliance or need an assessment of your dental health, Coral Reef Dental is here for you.
Check out our services, including dental implants and sedation dentistry, today!