The experience of losing and swallowing a temporary dental crown can be unsettling, but it is a relatively common occurrence that is usually not a medical emergency. Temporary crowns function as placeholders, protecting the prepared tooth underneath while the custom permanent restoration is being fabricated in a dental lab. These temporary caps are designed to be secured with a weaker cement so they can be easily removed by your dentist later. The following steps will guide you through the process of addressing the immediate safety concerns and the necessary dental follow-up.
Immediate Safety Check
The first step involves quickly assessing whether the crown was swallowed (ingested) or accidentally inhaled (aspirated). Ingestion means the crown passed into your esophagus and is headed for your stomach. Aspiration, where the crown enters your airway and potentially lodges in your lungs, is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Signs of aspiration include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or any difficulty breathing. If you experience any symptoms related to airway obstruction, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling your local emergency services; if you are breathing normally and believe you swallowed the crown, you can proceed to the next steps.
Internal Passage of the Temporary Crown
Temporary crowns are typically made from materials like acrylic resin or bis-acryl composite, which are smooth and non-toxic. When swallowed, these small, inert objects are not chemically broken down by stomach acid. The crown will generally pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing any harm. This passage through the digestive system usually takes a few days. You should not attempt to locate the crown in your stool or take any harsh laxatives to speed up the process. Though rare, contact a medical doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or other signs of intestinal blockage.
Protecting the Exposed Tooth
With the immediate safety concern addressed, the next priority is protecting the underlying tooth structure, which is now exposed. The tooth preparation has had its protective enamel layer removed and is highly sensitive to temperature and pressure. This exposed dentin can cause significant discomfort when eating or drinking, and the exposed tooth is vulnerable to bacterial contamination and decay. To minimize sensitivity and protect the tooth, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and stick to soft foods. You can temporarily cover the sensitive area using an over-the-counter temporary dental cement or filling material. If temporary cement is unavailable, a small piece of sugar-free chewing gum or dental wax can be molded over the prepared tooth as a short-term shield. This temporary protection will reduce sensitivity and help prevent the tooth from shifting position until you can see your dentist.
Contacting Your Dentist for Replacement
Contacting your dental office immediately is necessary. Explain that you lost your temporary crown and that a replacement is needed quickly. Dental offices typically prioritize these situations and will try to schedule an emergency visit for a replacement within 24 to 48 hours. Timely replacement of the temporary crown is important to prevent complications that could affect your final restoration. Without the temporary cap, the prepared tooth and the adjacent teeth can shift slightly over a few days. This movement can compromise the fit of the permanent crown when it arrives from the lab. The dentist will clean the preparation site thoroughly and fabricate a new temporary crown to ensure the space is maintained and the tooth remains protected.