Temporary Crown Falling Off

A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects the natural tooth until a permanent crown is made and cemented into place. 

Because dentists typically attach temporary crowns with temporary dental cement, extra care is required to prevent the loosening of the crown. 

What to Do if Your Temporary Crown Falls Out

If your temporary crown falls out during your dentist’s regular business hours, call your dentist’s office to have it re-cemented or remade. If the crown falls out after hours, during vacation, or when you cannot reach your dentist, don’t panic. The situation is not urgent as long as you are not in pain.

In case of a temporary crown falling out, do the following:

• Recover the temporary crown – Check to see if the temporary crown is chipped or cracked. If so, remove any broken pieces and rinse your mouth to remove any particles. 
• Rinse the temporary crown – Whether or not the crown is chipped, rinse it with warm water. If the crown is damaged, put it in a clean plastic bag or container to bring to the dentist. Leave it off the tooth and call for a new temporary crown during your dentist’s regular business hours. 
• Place the temporary crown over the original tooth – If the crown is in good shape, you can try to reattach it to the affected tooth with a temporary cement, denture adhesive, or Vaseline. If you use Vaseline to reattach the crown, remove it when you eat and sleep to avoid swallowing or inhaling it.
• Rinse frequently – Keep the area around the original tooth clean until your dentist can recement the crown to prevent bacterial infection.

If your temporary crown is damaged and creates a jagged edge in your mouth, you can place orthodontic wax over the tooth. Orthodontic wax is available at any drugstore.

Is a Missing Crown a Dental Emergency?

Losing your temporary crown is typically not a dental emergency that requires urgent treatment. However, you should return to the dentist within a day or two after losing the crown. The dentist might need to replace the temporary crown to avoid damage to the underlying tooth or to prevent fitting problems with your permanent crown.

If your temporary crown is in place to protect a cracked tooth, to insulate a tooth following a root canal, or to save a decayed tooth that cannot hold a filling, replace your crown as soon as possible. A crownless tooth can deteriorate quickly and worsen preexisting tooth damage. 

How to Prevent a Temporary Crown From Falling Out

Proper dental care is essential to prevent a temporary crown from falling out. Avoid chewing gum or eating sticky foods that could loosen your temporary crown. 

You should also avoid sugary foods. Your temporary crown may have a small gap between the crown and gum line. This means sugar can reach under the crown and cause decay or sensitivity.

Foods to avoid while you have a temporary crown include:

• Steak or tough meat
• Crusty or hard bread or bagels
• Crunchy or hard fresh vegetables, such as baby carrots
• Crunchy or hard fresh fruits, such as apples
• Corn on the cob
• Chewing gum
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Hard candy or sweets
• Caramel
• Ice

Oral Hygiene Tips for Temporary Crowns

Practicing proper dental hygiene will prevent decay and gum problems around the crown. Brush gently around the tooth and gum line twice daily using toothpaste. You can also opt for a toothpaste that targets sensitive teeth. 

Flossing is recommended for temporary crown care. However, you must floss down and out instead of down and up to avoid dislodging the temporary dental crown.  

If your temporary crown falls off despite these precautions, contact your dentist so they can recement the crown or create a new one to prevent future problems.

What to Avoid if Your Temporary Crown Falls Out

The essential steps to take when your crown has fallen out include:

• Avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or require a lot of chewing
• Avoid foods and drinks that are very hot or cold 
• Avoid chewing foods on the affected side of the mouth
• Be gentle when brushing your teeth with toothpaste

If your temporary crown falls out, do not swallow it. 

How Do Temporary Crowns Become Loose?

Temporary crowns are more delicate and fragile than permanent ones. Though the crowns are designed to stay in place for a few weeks, they can loosen up earlier than expected.

The causes of a prematurely loose temporary crown include:

• Eating sticky foods like caramel
• Flossing or brushing too aggressively 
• Grinding or clenching the teeth
• Traumatic injuries, especially to the front teeth 

If a dental crown is on the tooth longer than a dentist recommends, decay can change the underlying tooth structure and cause the temporary crown to dislodge. 

Summary

• Because dentists typically attach temporary crowns with temporary dental cement, extra care is required to prevent the loosening of the crown.
• If your temporary crown falls out, it is not an emergency. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule treatment.
• If you are unable to reach your dentist, you can attempt to reattach the temporary crown or place orthodontic wax over the natural tooth until you’re able to see your dentist.
• To avoid your temporary crown falling out, avoid sticky and tricky-to-eat foods, chewing gum, and sugary foods.
• Proper dental hygiene will prevent decay and gum problems around the crown, encouraging sustained adhesion of the temporary crown.