My temporary crown fell off and I can't see my dentist for the next few days, what should I do?

Question

My temp crown fell after I was done eating. I was able to place it back on my molar and it seems to stay (I don't want to mess with it in case it doesn't stay on if I put it back on a second time) just fine. My dentist is closed Fridays and the weekend so I have to wait 3 days until I can see him. My only concern is if it'll mess up my molar, gums, shifting, ect if I wait that long.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

In a pinch, toothpaste helps and has fluoride.  The grocery stores and pharmacies sell cements that are nearly identical to what WE use, so for longer wait times to get back in, those work well.  3 days is a non issue, not much will happen.  All should be fine.One caveat, though, is trapping saliva.  If you simply replaced the temp without a cement or liner, you have trapped bacteria inside.  If you can't brush or rinse, decay can initiate.  If time passes and you don't see a dentist soon enough, there IS risk of damage to the tooth.  Simply putting back and ignoring is not enough.

Elizabeth Reiser-Loeber, DMD · Answer

I agree that it's best to keep your temporary in place.The denture adhesive works well, but a thick paste made from flour and water works as well. Especially if it's only a few days.Sincerely,Dr. Reiser

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

The temp crown preferably should be on the tooth to prevent shifting.  If the crown stays on when u place it back on that is great but sometimes it can come off too easy.  If the crown keeps coming off you can try getting some denture adhesive from the store, place a very small amount in the crown and press back into place (make sure to wipe up the excess at the gym line).

Doug Jopling, DDS · Answer

You should be fine doing what you've already been doing. If it does feel loose at all ,however, I would recommend leaving it out while you're sleeping so you do not swallow it or worse. Sometimes putting a little bit of Vaseline inside the crown before you place it back on the tooth will create more surface tension and help keep it on better. Do all of your chewing on the opposite side of your mouth and see your dentist on Monday to have it re cemented.  Hope this is helpful Douglas Jopling, DDS Dallas, Texas area

My temporary crown fell off and I can't see my dentist for the next few days, what should I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: You should be okay till you see your dentist on Monday.

Answer: You should be okay till you see your dentist on Monday.

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My temporary crown fell off and I can't see my dentist for the next few days, what should I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: You should be okay till you see your dentist on Monday.

Answer: You should be okay till you see your dentist on Monday.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.