Imagine you’re digging into your favorite meal, ready to take a delicious bite, when, all of a sudden, your temporary crown plops down on your tongue, leaving you confused. The last thing you want before a meal is to lose your tooth — even if it is temporary.
The purpose of a temporary crown is to protect your tooth for a limited period of time, which is why if it falls out all of a sudden, it could become a cause for concern. In this blog, you will find all the steps you will need to take in case your temporary crown falls off.
What Does a Temporary Crown Do?
A temporary dental crown is often applied to the tooth as a short-term solution, especially if it recently underwent an intrusive surgery. Typically, dentists shield the tooth after a root canal with a temporary crown. This is because it takes time to craft a permanent crown so it can match the color and texture of the rest of your teeth.
Moreover, since they’re not made to last long, temporary crowns are created out of mediocre materials. As long as they can function for a short period of time, provide aesthetic realness, and protect the tooth underneath, they can work just fine.
What to Do if Temporary Crown Fell off
If your temporary crown suddenly fell off right after you got it, it could be because the crown wasn’t bonded to the tooth very well. In such cases, you might have to visit the dentist and get it reapplied. However, if the crown slips out after a few days, you can try following the steps mentioned below to fix it back into place.
- Recover The Fallen Crown
The first thing you need to do is recover the crown. If it is still in one piece, find it and keep it with you. However, if it broke apart, then gather the remains and wrap them in tissue paper. - Rinse it off With Warm Water
If you manage to retrieve the crown whole, carefully rinse it with warm water. You can also dunk it and wash it off with saltwater solution if possible. - Check Your Tooth
The next thing you should do is inspect your teeth. Before the crown is applied, the dentist seals the tooth and polishes it down so it isn’t exposed to bacteria. Make sure the tooth is in perfect condition, and there aren’t any damages to its surface. - Apply Dental Adhesive Over the Crown and Tooth
While this isn’t usually preferred, you can get dental adhesive from the pharmacy and apply it on the temporary crown before setting it back on the tooth. This is a temporary fix, though, until your next dental appointment. - Contact Your Dentist Immediately
Even if you manage to salvage the fallen crown, it is necessary to let your dentist know. This way, they can offer you more guidance on how to care for your teeth without messing anything up.
Bottom Line
In summary, if your temporary crown fell off, the best thing you can do is clean it and place it back on the tooth with dental adhesive. However, if the crown breaks off, then you might need to visit your dentist for a new, permanent replacement.
For more queries and concerns on the matter, feel free to reach out to AK Dental at (512) 653-3008. You can also drop by our dental clinic at 7010 State Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735, United States, for an in-person evaluation.