A temporary crown falling out is a common, frustrating event for patients waiting on a permanent restoration. A temporary crown is a short-term cap placed over a tooth that has been prepared to receive a final crown. This cap is a placeholder used while a dental laboratory fabricates the permanent prosthetic, a process that typically takes a few weeks. Because these restorations are designed for easy removal by the dentist, they are inherently less secure than the final restoration.
Understanding the Role of Temporary Crowns
The primary function of the temporary crown is to protect the underlying prepared tooth structure, which is left vulnerable after the enamel is reduced. Without this barrier, the exposed dentin and pulp would be highly susceptible to thermal sensitivity, bacterial invasion, and decay.
The temporary restoration also plays a mechanical role in preserving the dental arch integrity. It prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and the opposing tooth from over-erupting, which would compromise the precise fit of the permanent crown. Finally, the temporary crown restores basic chewing function and provides an aesthetic solution.
Primary Reasons for Crown Dislodgement
The most frequent reason a temporary crown dislodges is the intentional weakness of the adhesive used to secure it. The cement is formulated to have a significantly lower bond strength than permanent dental cement, allowing the dentist to remove the crown easily without damaging the prepared tooth. This lower bond strength means the cement can degrade gradually due to the constant presence of saliva and chewing forces.
Excessive occlusal forces, or bite issues, also contribute significantly to failure. If the temporary crown sits slightly higher than adjacent teeth, it sustains premature and concentrated force during chewing. Habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching can subject the material to forces it is not designed to withstand, causing the cement bond to fracture or the crown itself to crack.
Patient behavior, particularly involving sticky or hard foods, can physically pull the crown off the tooth. Highly viscous foods like caramel, chewing gum, or taffy create a strong adhesive force that exceeds the temporary cement’s tensile strength. Additionally, if the underlying prepared tooth lacks sufficient height or parallel walls (retention form), the temporary crown must rely almost entirely on the weak cement for stability.
Immediate Steps When It Falls Out
If your temporary crown comes loose or falls out, remain calm and immediately retrieve the restoration, ensuring you do not swallow or inhale it. Gently rinse both the inside of the crown and the prepared tooth with warm water to remove any lingering cement or debris. Contact your dental office right away, as the exposed tooth can become highly sensitive and is at risk of shifting, which would prevent the new crown from fitting properly.
If you cannot get to the dentist immediately, you may attempt temporary re-cementation using approved over-the-counter dental cement available at most pharmacies. As an absolute last resort, a small dab of petroleum jelly or even toothpaste can act as a stopgap measure to hold the crown in place for a few hours, though this is far less secure. Never use household superglue, as it is toxic, can damage the tooth, and will make removal by your dentist extremely difficult.
Dietary and Care Adjustments
Preventative care is the most effective strategy for keeping your temporary crown secure until your next appointment. A primary adjustment involves modifying your chewing technique by consistently using the opposite side of your mouth for all food consumption. This habit significantly reduces the direct stress placed on the temporary restoration and its vulnerable cement bond. You must strictly avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, or excessively hard, as these are the most common causes of dislodgement.
Foods to Avoid
- Chewing gum
- Toffee
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
- Ice
Extreme temperature changes can also exacerbate sensitivity in the prepared tooth, so moderate consumption of very hot soups or ice-cold beverages is advised. Oral hygiene around the temporary crown requires a specific modification to prevent it from being pulled off during flossing. Instead of pulling the floss up and out through the contact point between the teeth, slide the floss gently into the space and then pull it out sideways from under the contact. Continue to brush the area gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, ensuring the surrounding gum tissue remains clean and healthy.