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The temporary crown on the back most lower tooth has broken. can I go without it until the appointment for the permanent on 9/21

part of the temporary is still in place. it is the very back tooth on the bottom. i have no discomfort. the problem is that it's friday night and i'm leaving for vacation on sunday. i can't see the dentist before monday the 19th even if i get hold of him. can i cement it back together with over-the-counter product--or is it best to just leave alone and not chew on that side? the dentist does have an answering service but the dentist won't be in until monday and by then i'll be in a different state.

Doctor Answers 4

September 21st, 2016

Broken temp is fine, as long as you eat soft foods ... #DrSarahThompson #STL

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I'm just seeing your question today, but it looks like your appointment was today.  I'll still answer this question in case someone else comes along with a similar question in the future.  Breaking your temp is not a problem, as long as you're gentle with that tooth, stay away from chewy or hard foods and are not experiencing any pain.  As long as you are able to protect that tooth, you are fine.  Good luck with everything and I hope you love your new crown.  You can click "save" to follow me on RealSelf if you have any other questions you'd like for me to answer.

Sarah Thompson, DMD


Saint Louis Dentist
5.0 out of 5 stars 16 reviews

September 10th, 2016

Get it replace if you can.

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I would highly discourage waiting this long to get a temporary crown replace.  Temporary crown serves many purposes, such as keeping your crown prep intact and managing the soft tissue around the prep.  Although it is still possible for the dentist to cement your permanent crown on 9/21, it might be more difficult than if the temporary crown was there.

Jean-Paul Banh, DDS
Federal Way Dentist

September 10th, 2016

Temporaries are important

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Temps are very important.  They are placeholders for the future final crown.  If you are missing any part of it, it can cause teeth around it to move and the final crown wont fit correctly.  If I were you, I would try recementing the crown back together

Joseph Proscia, DDS
Bonita Springs Dentist

September 9th, 2016

Temporary Crown- broken

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yes you need to go in to have the temporary crown repaired because if you don't contacts can shift and opposing teeth can erupt. Also the gums can tighten around the tooth to make it extremely difficult to fit the crown being fabricated.

Barry L. Sandor, DMD
Freehold Dentist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.