A temporary crown is a provisional cap placed on a tooth prepared for a permanent dental crown. This interim restoration protects the underlying tooth from damage, infection, and sensitivity while the custom-made permanent crown is fabricated. Temporary crowns also maintain correct spacing and bite alignment, preventing surrounding teeth from shifting. Though crucial, temporary crowns can dislodge before the permanent one is ready.
Immediate Steps to Take
If your temporary crown falls off, remain calm. This is usually not an emergency unless you experience severe pain or swelling. First, carefully retrieve the crown, ensuring you do not swallow it. Then, gently rinse your mouth with warm water or a mild saltwater solution to clean the exposed tooth and any debris.
After rinsing, inspect both the temporary crown and the prepared tooth. If the crown is intact and not cracked or broken, your dentist may be able to re-cement it. Do not force the crown back onto your tooth if it does not fit easily, as this could cause damage. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment to protect your tooth and prevent complications.
While waiting for your dental appointment, manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If the exposed tooth is sensitive, apply a small amount of orthodontic wax over it, which is available at most drugstores. In some cases, and only if advised by your dentist, you might temporarily reattach the crown using dental adhesive, denture adhesive, or toothpaste, but this is a short-term solution. If using temporary adhesive, clean the crown and tooth thoroughly to avoid trapping bacteria, and remove the crown when eating or sleeping. Store the retrieved crown safely to bring to your appointment.
Common Reasons Temporary Crowns Fall Off
Temporary crowns are affixed with a temporary cement, intentionally weaker than permanent cement to allow for easy removal. This weaker adhesive is a primary reason temporary crowns can become dislodged.
Certain foods significantly impact retention. Sticky items like caramel or gum can pull the crown off. Hard or crunchy foods, such as nuts or ice, can dislodge or fracture it due to chewing pressure. Changes in bite, unusual chewing habits, or teeth grinding (bruxism) can also contribute to a crown coming loose.
The fit of the temporary crown can also be a factor. If it doesn’t fit snugly or the underlying tooth structure has changed, it may be more prone to falling off. Trauma or accidental impact to the mouth can also cause dislodgement.
Potential Risks of a Missing Temporary Crown
Leaving a prepared tooth exposed without its temporary crown can lead to several problems. The primary concern is increased tooth sensitivity. The underlying tooth, with its reduced enamel, becomes vulnerable to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic stimuli, causing discomfort.
Without the temporary crown, the prepared tooth loses physical protection, increasing the risk of damage or fracture. The exposed tooth surface is also more susceptible to bacterial accumulation and food particles, which can lead to new decay or gum inflammation. This can complicate the eventual placement of the permanent crown.
The absence of a temporary crown can also affect tooth alignment. Adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, and opposing teeth might over-erupt. Such movements can alter your bite and prevent the permanent crown from fitting properly, potentially requiring additional dental adjustments. Difficulty eating and speaking normally can also arise from a missing temporary crown.
What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment
Upon arriving, your dentist will assess the situation by examining the exposed tooth and the dislodged temporary crown. They will clean the prepared tooth surface and the inside of the crown to remove any debris.
If the existing temporary crown is intact and fits well, the dentist will re-cement it using fresh temporary dental cement. This process is routine and quick. If the original crown is damaged, lost, or no longer fits, your dentist will create and place a new temporary crown.
The dentist will ensure the re-cemented or new temporary crown is secure and your bite feels comfortable. They will also provide specific care instructions until your permanent restoration is ready, typically including avoiding sticky or hard foods and maintaining gentle oral hygiene around the crowned tooth.