If you’re here because your temporary crown fell off, we will tell, you why you should not panic and the steps to take right away. In this article, you’re about to find all your answers so just read through this like a quick aid.
A temporary crown falling out may be a stressful if you don’t know the basics. It’s not unusual for a temporary crown to come out. You might be worried at first, but this is not an emergency and you can handle it at ease.
A temporary crown serves as an intermediary for your permanent dental crown. It is crucial in safeguarding your teeth following surgeries such as root canals or dental implants. However, life may throw unforeseen curveballs sometimes and that temporary crown may fall off.
In that case, it is essential to know why your temporary crown fell off and what you need to do when this happens.
Table of Contents
What is a temporary crown?
A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and preserves the natural tooth until a permanent crown is created and set into place. It is used to repair damaged or weaker teeth while also protecting them from bacteria. It is possible that you may have to wear it for a few weeks until your permanent crown is ready.
This temporary crown is shaped exactly like your tooth, and is typically made of plastic or acrylic material. A strong adhesive is used so that the crown remains intact on the affected tooth.
Since temporary crowns are often attached using temporary dental cement, extra care is required to prevent the crown from falling. There are various factors that can weaken or damage the adhesive. In that case, a temporary crown falls off, you can find it unnerving.
My Temporary Crown Fell Off
If your temporary crown fell off, first of all, don’t panic. It is a common occurrence. Impulsive actions may worsen your situation.
Remove the crown and see if it’s broken. If it’s not broken then gently clean your crown and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Do not attempt to glue it back by yourself. The first mistake that we all tend to make is we try to outsmart ourselves. A lot of people attempt DIY dental crowns at home, only to find out later that it was a bad idea.
If you try to glue it back, you’ll only end up trapping bacteria underneath which sets you up for a host of other complications. It may lead to tooth infection and ultimately tooth loss. So, instead of trying to fix it yourself, you should store the crown in a sealed container.
Try not to lose it, especially if it’s not broken for it may save you a lot of money. If it’s a front tooth, you don’t want people to know that your crown came off. So, till the time you can get to the dentist, you can use a smear of toothpaste or temporary dental cement from the drugstore.
In most cases, it is not an emergency dental situation. However, if it causes any pain then you should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist.
How to keep your temporary crown from falling off
Before your temporary crown comes off, you need to be careful and follow certain precautions. You should consult your dentist in case your dental adhesive loosens or your temporary crown is not fixed properly. However, there are other things you can do to take care of your temporary crown and lessen the chances of damage.
Some of the precautions that you must take note of are:
- Brush around the affected tooth and region with care
- Avoid meals that are sticky or firm
- Even if you’ve restored the temporary crown, avoid chewing in the region. Chewing applies pressure on the tooth, which can temporarily loosen or harm it
- Until you visit your dentist, avoid flossing around the temporary crown, as this might make it loose again
- Sugary meals should also be avoided. There may be a little gap between the crown and the gum line on your temporary crown. Sugar can go beneath the crown and induce deterioration or sensitivity.
- Rinse your mouth more regularly to dislodge particles and eliminate them from your mouth, reducing the risk of infection.
- Maintain cleanliness in the area surrounding the temporary structure and exercise extreme caution when doing the following tasks:
- Floss with caution, by dragging the floss through the side to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.
- Brush gently around the temporary crown.
Food to Avoid if your Temporary Crown Fell Off
Can I eat if my temporary crown fell off, is a common thing most people who face this want to know. No, none of us need to go hungry in such cases!
The answer is, yes you can eat if your temporary crown comes out. But you might need to make some alterations associated to what you eat. You need to be more cautious when it comes to your food choices. These are some things to follow:
- To prevent further tooth damage, eat soft, non-sticky meals
- Avoid chewing on the side where the crown is gone
- Maintain adequate dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the afflicted region carefully
The list below are food to avoid if your temporary crown fell off:
- Nuts
- Ice
- Corns
- Candies
- Hard meats such as steak
- Raw vegetables like carrots
- Chewing gums
- Caramel
- Bread items such as pizza, bagels, sandwiches
- Brownies
- Biscuits
- Fruits like apples
Why Do Temporary Crowns Come Off
There are several possible causes for your dental crown to fall off. One possible explanation is that the tooth beneath the crown has deteriorated. This can occur if you do not properly care for your teeth and allow bacteria to accumulate. The deterioration will weaken the tooth, causing the crown to fall out.
Another possibility is that the adhesive used for retaining your dental crown in place has begun to wear off. This can develop over time, especially when you chomp on ice or eat hard types of food.
It is also feasible if you clench your teeth at night. If the adhesive diminishes, the crown will no longer be anchored and will eventually fall out.
Consuming certain food items can also lead to loosening of your dental crown. These include sticky foods like caramel and candies that loosen your temporary crown.
Temporary crown may also come off if you incur traumatic injuries. Temporary crowns are delicate and if you get any injuries on your face, then it is most likely to come off.
What is average lifespan of a dental crown?
A dental crown can have an average lifespan of 10-30 years. But the lifespan of a dental crown depends on various factors. These include the condition of the original tooth, how well your crown is maintained, and what material it is made of.
In most cases, longetivity of dental crowns depends on how well it fit when it was first placed. However, if you wish then you may lengthen the lifespan of your dental crown through a variety of different ways.
The material and kind of crown you have decides how long your dental crown will survive. There are several materials and arrangements for dental crowns, and each might be appropriate in the right set of circumstances.
Metal crowns are most typically utilized on rear teeth that are subjected to the highest pressure. They might be constructed of nickel, chromium, palladium, or gold. These crowns are strong and long-lasting, although they are generally not appropriate for front teeth.
Porcelain crowns may not be as lasting as metal crowns, yet they are still powerful. These crowns also resemble natural teeth in appearance, making them perfect for front teeth. The crown might alternatively have a metal shell below and a porcelain coating.
Resin crowns are less expensive, but they do not endure as long as other forms of crowns. These crowns are constructed of a plastic polymer that is suitable for dental uses.
Given that, most dental crowns conceal the entire tooth’s surface, it isn’t always necessary. Some crowns may cover three-quarters or less of the tooth.
In order to retain the longevity of your crown, keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. Decay does not inherently affect the crown, but it does weaken the tooth beneath.
As a result, the crown will fit incorrectly and finally come off. Also, be cautious when flossing near the dental crown.
Even though flossing can help combat tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy, using too much force might harm the crown. You may consider using a water flosser or take extra care while flossing around your dental crown.
What to Do If You Accidently Swallow Your Temporary Crown?
“My temporary crown fell of and I swallowed it.” This is a common predicament that can happen to anyone.
Swallowing your temporary crown by accident can be a frightening experience. While it is unlikely to cause any major injury, however, it is better to consult your doctor right away. They would most likely advise you to keep an eye on your digestive system to ensure the crown passes without issue.
What to Do In Case of Pain and Discomfort?
There are times when some patients come and complain, “My temporary crown fell off and it hurts.”
Discomfort can take place when your sensitive underlying tooth is exposed. In that case, you can use some over-the-counter medications to get relief from the pain. You can also use some dental wax or a cotton ball soaked in clove oil to the exposed region.
Although this might not be the permanent solution but it can help you for some time. However, in case of severe pain, do not hold yourself back from contacting your doctor. Your dentist will have to examine your tooth properly to alleviate your pain and prevent it from further complications.
What Should You Do If Your Temporary Crown Fell Off Weekend?
A fallen temporary crown may not always coincide with your dentist’s office hours. Don’t worry if your temporary crown chooses to fall off over the weekend. Many dental practices provide emergency services or have a dentist on standby to manage such circumstances. Contact your dentist, and they will walk you through the following stages.
What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Fell Off After Root Canal?
A scenario where a temporary crown fell off after a root canal might be frightening, but it is not unusual. Temporary crowns are inserted after root canals to safeguard the tooth while the permanent crown is being produced. However, they are not as stable as permanent crowns and can come off earlier than you expect.
If your temporary crown has slipped off following a root canal, you must act quickly:
- If the crown is still intact, clean it gently
- Eat with caution to avoid damaging the exposed tooth
- Avoid chewing on the afflicted side and stick to soft meals
- Contact your dentist as quickly as possible and to determine the problem, they will need to inspect the tooth.
- Avoid reattaching the crown yourself using household adhesives, since this might cause difficulties.
Final thoughts
While it is natural to freak out, it is critical to remain calm and take appropriate action to treat temporary crown falling off. These actions include removing the crown if feasible, safeguarding the exposed tooth, and immediately notifying your dentist.
Temporary crowns are critical in protecting your tooth health while you wait for a permanent crown. They may not be as durable, but with good maintenance and timely treatment, you may ensure a smooth path to a long-term dental solution. Remember that your dentist is in charge of protecting your dental health, so don’t be afraid to contact them in such instances.
