A temporary dental crown is a protective cover placed over a prepared tooth while a permanent crown is being made. It is held in place with a weak cement designed for easy removal, which means it is common for the crown to loosen or fall off, often due to chewing sticky or hard foods. If this happens, contact your dental office immediately to schedule a re-cementation appointment. This article provides instructions for a temporary, at-home fix, but it is not a substitute for professional dental care.
Preparing the Crown and Tooth for Reattachment
The first step in reattaching a temporary crown is ensuring both the inside of the crown and the underlying tooth preparation are clean and dry. Gently rinse the temporary crown with warm water to remove any debris or old cement, taking care not to let it slip down the drain. Use a soft toothbrush to lightly clean the surface of the prepared tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.
Remove any remnants of old temporary cement from the inside of the crown to allow the new adhesive to seat properly. A small tool like a toothpick can be used carefully to scrape out any hardened material from the crown’s interior. After cleaning, use a cotton swab or gauze to thoroughly dry both the inside of the crown and the tooth preparation, as adhesives rely on a dry surface to bond.
The adhesive material should be a temporary dental cement kit, available over the counter at most pharmacies, or a denture adhesive. In an emergency, petroleum jelly or toothpaste can act as a very short-term placeholder, but these are not recommended. Avoid using strong household glues, as they can make it impossible for your dentist to remove the crown later or cause permanent damage to the tooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Seating the Crown
To prepare the crown for seating, apply a very small amount of your chosen temporary adhesive inside the crown. Use only a thin line or small dot of material, specifically avoiding the crown margins—the edges that meet the gumline. Overfilling the crown will cause excess material to squeeze out, which can irritate the gums, make clean-up difficult, or prevent the crown from fully seating.
Before applying the adhesive, practice placing the crown to ensure you can orient it correctly, as it only fits onto the prepared tooth in one position. Once the adhesive is applied, firmly and gently push the crown directly onto the prepared tooth. Use consistent finger pressure to seat it fully, ensuring it goes completely into place without rocking or tilting.
After seating the crown, gently bite down a few times to check the alignment and ensure the crown feels level with your other teeth. It should not feel “high” or interfere with your normal bite, as this places stress on the temporary seal and can cause discomfort or breakage. Immediately after seating, use a damp cotton swab, gauze, or a toothpick to wipe away any excess adhesive that has squeezed out around the gumline before it fully sets. Hold the crown in place with gentle pressure for a few minutes to help the temporary cement begin to set.
When Not to Attempt This Fix
While reattaching a loose temporary crown is often a safe, temporary measure, there are specific situations where you should contact your dentist immediately instead of attempting a fix. If you experience significant pain, swelling, or bleeding around the tooth, these symptoms may indicate an infection or damage to the underlying tissue requiring professional intervention. Do not attempt to reattach the crown if the prepared tooth structure appears fractured, broken, or has sharp edges that could cause tissue injury.
If the temporary crown itself is visibly cracked, broken, or severely chipped, it will not provide the necessary protection and should not be re-cemented. Forcing a damaged or ill-fitting crown onto a prepared tooth can cause permanent harm, potentially fracturing the tooth or irritating the surrounding soft tissues. If the crown was accidentally swallowed or aspirated into the lungs, seek immediate medical attention, as this is a medical emergency.
Any uncertainty about whether the crown is seating correctly or if the underlying tooth is damaged warrants a call to the dental office. Attempting to force a misaligned crown can damage the temporary restoration or the prepared tooth surface, complicating the eventual placement of the permanent crown. Prioritize professional assessment in any scenario involving pain or structural damage.
Temporary Care Until Your Dental Appointment
Once the temporary crown is successfully reattached, treat the area with caution until your dental appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to minimize the risk of dislodging it again. Dietary restrictions are necessary; avoid hard foods like nuts, sticky foods such as caramels or taffy, and overly chewy items like tough meats or bagels.
Proper oral hygiene remains necessary, but it must be performed gently around the temporary crown. Brush the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being careful not to apply excessive force to the crown itself. When flossing, slide the floss through the contact point and then pull the floss out from the side, rather than pulling it back up toward the chewing surface, which could lift the crown off.
Leaving the prepared tooth exposed for too long carries risks, as adjacent teeth may begin to shift, or the opposing tooth may move into the open space, a process called supraeruption. Even a small shift can prevent the final permanent crown from fitting correctly when it arrives from the lab. Maintaining the temporary crown, even with an at-home fix, is important, and you should call your dental office promptly to ensure the permanent crown process is not compromised.