The loss of your temporary crown could be very unsettling! However, why does this occur, and what can be done to prevent it? Everything relies on what happens when the crown comes off.
In at least two dental visits, dental crowns are fixed. As a result, they mandate that you wear a temporary crown in between appointments. An artificial tooth or natural tooth will be covered by a temporary crown from your dentist. Making a permanent crown properly can take several days. A permanent crown must be meticulously fitted and matched to your teeth’s shape, which can take a week or longer. Therefore, until the permanent crown is created, a temporary crown protects the area.
A temporary crown will also aid in correct eating and chewing while you wait for the permanent one to be delivered. Additionally, it will provide the dentist some understanding of how the crown works so they may make any necessary adjustments while you wait.
What To Do If Your Temporary Crown Fell Off
Whether your temporary crown broke, ask your dentist if any replacements are available. Make an appointment as soon as you can, and they should give it top priority and re-impose it.
There are a few things you need to be aware of if you can’t phone your dentist for a variety of reasons.
1. FIRST THINGS FIRST: BE CALM
We recognize that the incident involving your temporary crown falling out can cause some trepidation. But doing that will simply make you feel more stressed. Therefore, you must first relax down. There is no need for concern because the majority of patients who are having their dental crowns repaired experience this.
Recognize that it can be remedied. This injury may be somewhat uncomfortable, but it won’t be excruciating, and it won’t last forever.
2. USE TOOTHPASTE TO FIX BACK THE TEMPORARY CROWN
YOU CAN SET THE PROVISIONAL CROWN BACK IN PLACE BY YOURSELF. This is especially true if you don’t have access to a denture glue or can’t get to the dentist. THE BEST OPTION IS TO HOLD IT WITH A LITTLE TOOTHPASTE, CHAPSTICK, OR VASELINE.
- However, to reduce the chance of bacteria becoming trapped, make sure you thoroughly clean both the tooth and your temporary crown before using it.
- Remember to take off your temporary crown before going to bed or eating.
- Make sure the temporary crown is completely comfy and fits well with a great bite.
3. CHECK IF THERE ARE ANY ROUGH EDGES
To determine whether the remaining cement or your tooth is rough or not, run your tongue along the area where the crown has come off. Use some orthodontic wax on it if it is sharp. If you can’t get to the dentist’s office, you can purchase this at any drugstore. By using this wax, you can avoid having your cheek or tongue irritated or cut by the sharp edges.
4. MAKE SURE TO RINSE YOUR MOUTH FREQUENTLY
The most important step in this situation is to rinse often in order to completely clean the area and protect the exposed teeth. However, don’t be too exacting when rinsing. Be considerate and cautious.
5. NEVER CHEW ON THE SIDE WHERE THE CROWN IS
You need to avoid pressure and food on the area around your crown because there isn’t a biting surface there right now. Recognize that the exposed tooth lacks the permanent tooth’s level of stability. Therefore, shifting it would not be a good idea. A crown’s (permanent) fit can be drastically altered by even a small movement. Additionally, you should avoid chewing on the side of the temporary crown even if you have secured it with toothpaste or another substance because it is less stable.
A temporary crown usually falls off. So, you shouldn’t actually leave it unfixed for too long without visiting your dentist. Recognize that you should only use the fixing advice provided above if you don’t have access to a dentist’s office and your temporary crown has fallen off at night or on the weekend.
And if you think that forgoing that “temporary crown” is okay in any way, you are utterly mistaken. It won’t do anything but put your:
- Tooth’s health
- The placement of your permanent crown
You don’t want that, right?
WHAT IS A TEMPORARY CROWN?
To prepare the tooth (which has been altered) for a permanent crown, the patient will receive a temporary crown to wear for at least one to two weeks. In addition to keeping it in the proper position, it also inhibits sensitivity.
WHAT IS THE TEMPORARY CROWN MADE OF?
The temporary crown is constructed of plastic and is properly molded to closely resemble the contour of the damaged tooth.
To hold the crown in place temporarily, your dentist will apply an adhesive. On the other side, the permanent crown is created in a different lab. Your temporary crown will be taken off at your second appointment or follow-up appointment with your dentist. On top of the prepared tooth will next be securely affixed a permanent crown.
WHY DOES A TEMPORARY CROWN FALLS OFF?
Various factors, either related to your temporary crown or the underlying tooth itself, can cause a temporary crown to come off. The structure of the tooth next to your temporary crown greatly affects how well it stays in place.
These crowns are by nature intended to fall out, but for a number of reasons, they may do so too soon. This involves not getting regular dental care, having tooth decay return, or consuming extremely thick or sticky meals. The underlying bone structure may have changed since the crown was set, or your dentist may have installed the crown incorrectly. Bruxism is another element that contributes to a crown coming off (grinding or clenching your teeth).
Some of the common reasons include:
- Trauma
- Heavy teeth grinding
- Tooth decay
Follow the directions above if you’re in discomfort, but you should also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which can help with pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
The Bottom Line: See a Dentist ASAP
While a temporary crown falling off is not typically a medical emergency, you must deal with it right away. You need to take care of the exposed area in the mouth and the crown in the meantime. As soon as you can, get in touch with a specialist and let them know the crown has come off. Visit your local emergency room if you’re in excruciating agony.
At Seablue Dental, we offer a first-class dental experience to all of our patients. With more than 15 years of experience, we pride ourselves on helping everyone maintain excellent oral health and a radiant smile. We also use the most advanced treatment techniques to offer an unmatched level of Dental care in Kent, WA.
