What to Do If a Temporary Crown Falls Off
It’s a situation many people don’t expect: you’re going about your day when suddenly, you feel something strange in your mouth, or you notice a gap in your smile. Your temporary crown has come off. Whether it fell off unexpectedly or it’s been loose for a while, this can be a stressful and frustrating experience. After all, temporary crowns are not meant to stay on forever; they serve as a placeholder while your permanent crown is being made. But knowing what to do when a temporary crown falls off is crucial to avoiding further complications.
At Downtown Dental, we understand how unsettling it can be when something like this happens. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps you should take if your temporary crown falls off, what to do in different scenarios, and why it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Plus, we’ll dive into how often temporary crowns fall off, and some of the reasons behind it.
Why Temporary Crowns Matter
Temporary crowns are an essential part of the dental restoration process. They provide protection to a tooth after a root canal, tooth preparation for a crown, or while waiting for a permanent crown. While temporary crowns are not as strong or durable as permanent ones, they protect the exposed tooth, helping prevent infection, discomfort, and damage to the underlying structure.
Temporary crowns also help maintain the space between your teeth, ensuring that the permanent crown will fit correctly. However, because they are made from materials like acrylic or composite resins, they are not as durable as the permanent crowns that are being prepared. As such, it’s not unusual for them to become loose or fall off.
What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off
If your temporary crown fell off, don’t panic. While it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible, there are steps you can take to avoid additional discomfort and keep your tooth safe until you can see your dentist.
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
First, take a deep breath. While a temporary crown falling off can be alarming, it’s not an emergency situation. You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort, but this usually resolves with simple steps. The most important thing to remember is not to ignore the problem—taking care of your exposed tooth is essential to avoid further complications.
2. Examine the Crown and Tooth
Carefully examine both the temporary crown and the tooth it was covering. Check if the crown is still intact or if it’s cracked or damaged. If the crown has fallen off but isn’t broken, there’s a chance it can be re-cemented. However, if the crown is cracked or damaged, you’ll need a new one.
Look at the exposed tooth as well. Make sure it isn’t too sensitive or causing you pain. If there is visible decay or damage to the tooth beneath, this should be addressed by your dentist immediately.
3. Clean the Crown and Tooth
If the temporary crown is intact and not too dirty, rinse it gently with warm water. Avoid using toothpaste or any cleaning products that could cause damage to the crown. If the crown is still in good condition, you can attempt to temporarily re-cement it yourself, but only if advised by your dentist.
To clean the exposed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid using anything too abrasive. If you notice any food or debris in the area, gently remove it with floss or a soft toothbrush.
4. Re-cement the Crown (Temporarily)
If the crown has fallen off but is still in good shape, your dentist may advise you to temporarily re-cement it yourself using dental cement or over-the-counter temporary crown kits available at pharmacies. However, do not use regular household glue or superglue as this can cause harm to both the crown and your tooth.
Here’s how you might temporarily re-cement your crown:
Clean both the crown and the tooth: Remove any debris or saliva from both the crown and the exposed tooth.
Apply dental cement: Using a small amount of temporary dental cement, carefully place the cement inside the crown.
Fit the crown onto your tooth: Press the crown onto your tooth and bite down gently to ensure it fits properly. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the cement to set.
Don’t chew on the crown: Avoid eating or chewing on the side where the temporary crown was placed, as this can dislodge it.
This step should only be a short-term solution until you can visit your dentist.
5. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
If your temporary crown fell off and you are unable to temporarily re-cement it, try to avoid chewing on the side where the crown was placed. Your exposed tooth may be more sensitive, and chewing could cause irritation or further damage to the tooth. Stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing and avoid anything sticky or hard that could dislodge the temporary crown.
6. Contact Your Dentist
The most important thing to do when your temporary crown falls off is to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if you’ve temporarily re-cemented the crown, you still need a professional to ensure that the crown is properly fitted and the underlying tooth is not at risk of further damage.
If you’re a patient at Downtown Dental, we recommend reaching out to our office immediately for guidance on the next steps. Our team can provide you with the appropriate care, whether that means re-cementing the crown or creating a new one.
Common Reasons Why a Temporary Crown Falls Off
Temporary crowns can fall off for a variety of reasons. Understanding why this happens can help you avoid similar issues in the future.
1. Improper Fit
Sometimes, the crown may not fit properly to begin with. If the temporary crown wasn’t placed securely or if the tooth has shifted slightly since the initial placement, it may come loose. Your dentist at Downtown Dental will carefully measure and fit your crown to avoid such problems, but slight changes can still occur.
2. Eating Hard or Sticky Foods
Eating foods that are too hard or sticky can cause a temporary crown to loosen or fall off. Hard foods, like nuts or ice, can dislodge a crown, while sticky foods, such as caramel or chewing gum, can pull the crown off by adhering to it.
3. Inadequate Bonding
The cement used to bond the temporary crown to your tooth may not have been strong enough to hold the crown in place for a prolonged period. This can happen if the crown is not seated properly during the placement process or if the bonding material used wasn’t applied adequately.
4. Decay or Infection
If there is an infection or decay under the temporary crown, it can affect the bond between the tooth and the crown, causing it to fall off. This is why it’s essential to have any dental work done by a professional and to follow proper oral hygiene habits.
5. Wear and Tear Over Time
Temporary crowns are designed to last for a short period, but over time, they can wear down. The materials used for temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent ones, so they can naturally deteriorate with normal chewing and use.
What Happens if My Temporary Crown Keeps Falling Off?
If your temporary crown keeps falling off, it’s important to address the issue promptly. A recurring problem can indicate that the crown is not fitted correctly, or there may be an issue with the bonding material used. Persistent issues with temporary crowns may lead to unnecessary discomfort and can cause damage to the tooth underneath.
If this happens, be sure to contact Downtown Dental for a re-evaluation of your crown. Your dentist may need to re-fit the temporary crown, or in some cases, a new temporary crown might be required. It’s also possible that an infection or decay has developed under the crown, which should be treated as soon as possible.
How Often Do Temporary Crowns Fall Off?
While it’s not uncommon for a temporary crown to fall off, it shouldn’t happen frequently. On average, temporary crowns are designed to stay in place for a few weeks to a couple of months until the permanent crown is ready. If your temporary crown falls off more than once, it’s best to consult your dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues.
What Happens If My Temporary Crown Cannot Be Replaced Immediately?
If you can’t get to your dentist right away, keep the exposed tooth as clean as possible and avoid chewing on that side. You may want to cover the tooth with a piece of dental wax or a temporary filling from a pharmacy to protect it. However, this is a short-term solution, and a dentist should address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage or discomfort.
What You Should Know
While dealing with a temporary crown falling off is frustrating, it’s important to remember that crowns are just one part of dental restoration. If your dental issues extend beyond temporary crowns or if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, full mouth dental implants may be an option. Full mouth implants are used to replace several or all of your teeth and can be a long-term solution to tooth loss.
The cost of full mouth dental implants varies depending on a range of factors, including the number of implants needed, the type of implants used, and your geographical location. Be sure to discuss your options with your dentist to understand the costs involved and find the solution that’s right for you.
FAQs
1. How to Keep a Temporary Crown from Falling Off
To keep a temporary crown from falling off, you need to follow a few precautionary steps. These crowns are not as durable as permanent ones and require extra care to stay in place until your final restoration is ready. Here are some helpful tips to prevent your temporary crown from coming loose:
Avoid sticky and hard foods: Foods like caramel, gum, and sticky candies can pull the crown off. Hard foods like nuts, ice, and crunchy snacks can also cause the crown to dislodge. Stick to soft foods that don’t put a strain on the crown.
Be gentle when chewing: If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth to minimize pressure on the temporary crown.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Gently brush and floss around the temporary crown. Be careful not to dislodge it while flossing, and consider using a waxed floss to reduce the risk of snagging.
Don’t use the crown for anything other than chewing: Avoid using your temporary crown to open packages or perform any tasks other than chewing food.
Avoid excessive brushing or scrubbing around the crown: Using a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing gently will prevent loosening the crown.
By following these steps, you can help prolong the life of your temporary crown and keep it securely in place until your permanent restoration is ready.
2. Is a Temporary Crown Falling Off an Emergency?
A temporary crown falling off is typically not an emergency but should still be addressed promptly. While it may cause discomfort or sensitivity, a temporary crown falling off is usually not a medical emergency. However, it's important not to ignore the issue.
Here’s why:
Protection: The temporary crown is there to protect your underlying tooth, and without it, your tooth may become more vulnerable to damage or infection.
Increased Sensitivity: Without the crown, your exposed tooth might become sensitive to hot, cold, or air, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink.
Discomfort or Pain: Some people experience mild to moderate discomfort when the crown falls off, especially if the tooth underneath is still healing from preparation for a permanent crown.
If your temporary crown falls off, it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cemented or replaced.
3. Is it Bad if Your Temporary Crown Falls Off?
It’s not ideal for a temporary crown to fall off, but it’s not necessarily bad as long as you address the issue quickly. Temporary crowns are designed to last only for a short period and may come loose due to various reasons, including eating certain foods, wear over time, or improper fitting.
Here’s why you should act fast:
Risk of Infection: The exposed tooth is more vulnerable to bacteria, which could lead to infection if left uncovered for an extended period.
Increased Sensitivity: Without the protection of the temporary crown, the exposed tooth can become sensitive to temperature changes or pressure.
Discomfort: A tooth without a temporary crown can be sensitive or uncomfortable to touch, so it’s important to cover it as soon as possible.
Though it’s not ideal, re-cementing the temporary crown or visiting your dentist for a replacement will help prevent any complications.
4. Is it Common for a Temporary Crown to Fall Off?
It is relatively common for a temporary crown to fall off, as these crowns are not as secure or durable as permanent ones. Temporary crowns are typically made of softer materials, such as acrylic, and are intended to provide temporary protection while your permanent crown is being made. They are designed to last only a few weeks to a few months.
Reasons why a temporary crown may fall off include:
Poor Fit: If the crown wasn’t properly fitted during placement, it may be more prone to coming loose.
Eating Hard or Sticky Foods: Eating foods that put a lot of pressure on the crown can cause it to dislodge.
Time: As temporary crowns age, the cement holding them in place can weaken.
Inadequate Bonding: Sometimes, the bonding material used may not be strong enough, making it more likely for the crown to fall off.
While it's common, taking care of your temporary crown can minimize the risk of it falling off prematurely.
5. If My Temporary Crown Falls Off, What Should I Do?
If your temporary crown falls off, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Don’t Panic: This is usually not an emergency, but it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.
Examine the Crown and Tooth: Check if the crown is intact or damaged. Also, look at the exposed tooth to see if there’s any discomfort, decay, or damage.
Clean Both the Tooth and the Crown: Gently rinse both the crown and the tooth with warm water. Avoid using toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents that could damage the crown.
Re-cement the Crown (Temporarily): If the crown is intact, you can temporarily re-cement it using over-the-counter dental cement. However, this is just a temporary solution until you see your dentist.
Contact Your Dentist: Reach out to your dentist immediately. They will be able to either re-cement the crown or replace it if necessary.
Following these steps can help protect the tooth and prevent any further complications until you can see your dentist.
6. How Long Can a Temporary Crown Last?
A temporary crown typically lasts between two to four weeks, depending on how well it’s cared for. However, this can vary depending on factors like:
Materials Used: Temporary crowns made from composite resin or acrylic may last a shorter time than those made from metal or other durable materials.
Your Eating Habits: If you frequently eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods, your temporary crown may come loose sooner.
Fit: A well-fitting temporary crown will stay in place longer than one that’s not securely placed.
It's essential to avoid putting too much pressure on a temporary crown and follow your dentist’s care instructions to ensure it lasts until your permanent crown is ready.
7. Can I Eat a Burger with a Temporary Crown?
Eating a burger with a temporary crown can be a bit tricky. While it may be possible to eat a burger, there are several precautions to keep in mind:
Avoid Chewing on the Crowned Side: If the temporary crown is on one side of your mouth, try to chew on the opposite side to avoid putting pressure on the crown.
Be Careful with Tough or Chewy Buns: If the burger has a thick, tough, or chewy bun, it could dislodge the crown. Choose softer buns and avoid biting into the burger with too much force.
Avoid Sticky Ingredients: Sauces like ketchup or barbecue sauce, if sticky, could cause the crown to loosen.
It’s best to eat softer foods and avoid chewing directly on the temporary crown to ensure it stays in place.
8. Can I Use Mouthwash with a Temporary Crown?
Yes, you can use mouthwash with a temporary crown, but you should be careful with certain types of mouthwash. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can irritate the gums and potentially loosen the crown. Instead, opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse your mouth gently.
Additionally, make sure you are not swishing too forcefully, as it could dislodge the temporary crown. Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing to help maintain oral hygiene while the temporary crown is in place.
9. Can I Eat a Sandwich with a Temporary Crown?
Eating a sandwich with a temporary crown is generally safe, but it’s important to avoid anything too tough or crunchy. Stick to sandwiches with soft fillings and tender bread, and avoid ones with crunchy vegetables or hard crusts. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting too much pressure on the temporary crown.
Also, try to avoid any sticky condiments, like mustard or mayonnaise, that could affect the crown’s bond to your tooth.
10. What Can You Eat with a Temporary Crown?
With a temporary crown, it’s important to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods. Here’s a list of foods that are generally safe to eat with a temporary crown:
Soft fruits: Bananas, berries, and soft apples (peeled and sliced)
Cooked vegetables: Soft-cooked carrots, squash, and potatoes
Pasta: Well-cooked pasta or noodles
Rice and soft grains: Soft rice, oatmeal, and quinoa
Soft breads: Freshly baked, soft bread (avoid hard crusts)
Dairy: Yogurt, soft cheese, and cottage cheese
Scrambled eggs or soft-cooked eggs
Avoid hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy foods that could put pressure on your temporary crown and cause it to come off. Taking care to eat foods that don’t stress the crown will help it stay in place until your permanent restoration is ready.
Conclusion
If a temporary crown falls off, it’s important to stay calm and take immediate steps to protect your tooth. Temporarily re-cementing the crown and avoiding chewing on that side can help, but the best course of action is to contact your dentist for professional help. Regular dental visits, proper care, and a strong partnership with your dentist, like the team at Downtown Dental, will help ensure that your dental work stays intact, and any issues are addressed promptly.
