It might be very alarming if your temporary crown fell off! But why does this happen, and what can you do about it? It all depends on what’s going on when the crown falls out.
Your dentist will place a temporary crown on top of a natural tooth or implant. This is because a permanent crown can take a while to make correctly. Matching a permanent crown to the shape of your teeth, and fitting it perfectly, is a labor-intensive process that can take a week or more. So in the meantime, a temporary crown serves to protect the area until the permanent crown is made.
Aside from this, a temporary crown will help you chew food and eat properly while you wait for the permanent crown to arrive. It’ll also offer the dentist some insight into the functioning of the crown so that they can make any modifications during the wait.
Why Temporary Crowns Fall Off
These crowns are by definition designed to come off, but they can do so prematurely for a variety of reasons. This includes a lack of dental care, reappearing tooth decay, or eating particularly viscous or sticky foods. However, it is also possible that your dentist may have installed the crown incorrectly, or the underlying bone structure has changed since the install. Another factor contributing to a crown falling off is bruxism (grinding or clenching your teeth).
What To Do If Your Temporary Crown Fell Off
If your temporary crown fell off, check with your dentist and see if they’re available. Arrange an appointment as soon as possible, and they should prioritize it and re-cement it in place.
In the meantime, if you have the crown, rinse it gently under warm water and inspect it for any damage. Please place it in a small plastic container or bag to protect it from contamination and damage.
If the crown fell off and you’ve lost it, arrange an appointment and get a new crown put in place.
It’s super important not to leave a space where the temporary crown was! A temporary crown serves several functions, such as ensuring your bite is intact and protecting the underlying area from infection. You’ll likely notice that your bite may be abnormal or lopsided if the crown has come off.
After the underlying area has become exposed due to the loss of the crown, you may notice dental cement underneath. This cement could have sharp or abrasive edges, and it’s vital to protect this area now that the temporary crown isn’t present. Place a small amount of orthodontic wax over the area – it’s available at your local drug store or pharmacy.
You must rinse frequently and follow the oral hygiene recommendations of your dentist until you can have the crown re-cemented. This means keeping the exposed area clean of food particles and other debris, which may cause infection and make things worse.
If you’re experiencing pain, follow the instructions above and also take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help with pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
The Bottom Line: See a Dentist ASAP
While not usually a medical emergency, you must deal with a temporary crown falling off promptly. In the meantime, you must take care of the crown and the exposed area in the mouth. Make sure to contact a professional as soon as you can and tell them the crown has fallen off. If you’re experiencing severe pain, visit your nearest emergency room.
At Champions Dental, we offer a first-class dental experience to all of our patients. With more than 15 years of experience, we pride ourselves on helping everyone maintain excellent oral health and a radiant smile. We also use the most advanced treatment techniques to offer an unmatched level of Dental care in Houston, TX. So, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, we’d love to see you! Please give us a call at (281) 866-0442.
