What Should You Do If a Temporary Dental Crown Comes Out?

Introduction

A temporary dental crown is a crucial component in the overall dental procedure, especially when waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated. If you notice your temporary crown coming out, it's important to take the right steps to avoid complications. This article discusses the appropriate actions to take if you experience this issue and emphasizes the importance of timely dental care.

Immediate Actions

First and foremost, do not panic. Although it may be concerning, it is critical to take immediate action to prevent further damage or infection. Here are the steps you should follow if your temporary dental crown comes out:

Call the Dentist's Office

Immediately after noticing the temporary crown has fallen out, the first step is to contact your dentist's office. Inform them of the situation and ask for instructions on what to do next. This ensures that you are following the correct procedure and can receive any necessary emergency guidance.

Go Back to the Dentist for Recementing

The best course of action is to return to the dentist and have the temporary crown recemented. The temporary crown protects the exposed tooth structure and ensures that the area remains stable until the permanent crown is ready. Skipping this step can lead to issues such as tooth decay or damage to the underlying tooth or implant post.

Bring It to Your Dentist for Replacement

If the temporary crown has come off due to the cement gluing it in place loosening or falling out, bring it to your dentist for replacement. Your dentist can reattach it using a new adhesive to ensure a secure fit. If you have lost the temporary crown, your dentist can take an impression of the tooth to create a new one, although this may require a few days for fabrication.

Why a Temporary Crown is Important

A temporary crown serves several important purposes:

Protecting the Tooth Surface

The temporary crown is designed to protect the remaining surface of the tooth or implant post. This protection is crucial as it prevents exposure to bacteria and maintains the structure of the tooth or post. If the crown comes out, the exposed surface becomes vulnerable to decay, infection, and other issues.

Ensuring Proper Fit for the Permanent Crown

A properly designed crown is essential for the placement of the permanent crown. The temporary crown allows the dentist to assess the fit and make adjustments if necessary before the permanent crown is placed. Allowing the tooth or post to be exposed without protection can compromise the accuracy of the permanent crown fit, potentially leading to further dental issues down the line.

Rare Causes of Crown Dislodging

While the temporary crown is generally well-fitted, there are rare instances where a crown may dislodge. These rare causes can include:

Misfit of the Crown

Improper fitting of the crown, whether due to the dentist's error or a defect in the crown itself, can cause the crown to come out. If the crown is loose, it can dislodge easily, leading to potential damage to the underlying tooth or implant post.

Material Failure

In rare cases, the materials used in the crown may fail, leading to dislodging. This can happen due to manufacturing defects or material degradation over time.

Why Recementing is Best

Given the importance of the temporary crown in maintaining oral health and ensuring proper fit for the permanent crown, recementing the temporary crown is the ideal solution. It ensures that the temporary crown remains in place, providing adequate protection and allowing for the dentist to assess and adjust the fit as needed.

If the temporary crown is not recemented promptly, there is a risk of complications such as tooth decay, infection, or damage to the underlying tooth or post. In severe cases, it may be necessary to revisit the dentists for a new impression and crown replacement, which can be more time-consuming and costly.

Conclusion

In summary, if your temporary dental crown comes out, the best course of action is to take prompt and appropriate steps. Contact your dentist, have the crown recemented, or if it has been lost, have a new one made. The temporary crown plays a crucial role in protecting the underlying tooth or implant post and ensuring the proper fit for the permanent crown. Failure to do so can lead to a range of dental issues that will require more extensive and costly treatment in the future.

Remember, timely and proper care is essential to maintain your oral health and the long-term success of your dental treatments.