My Temp Crown Broke for the Third Time, What Should I Do?

Question

My temp crown broke for the third time today, I'm going in in two weeks for the permanent crown to be put in. I'm in no pain at the moment, does it make sense to wait for the permanent? Or should I keep going in to get it repaired?

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

It's best to have your crown remade.  If not, you gums could overgrow the margins of the crown preparation and/or your teeth on that side could move, changing your bite.

	The big question is "why" is it breaking so frequently?  Are you a bruxer or clencher?  Are you biting hard food on the plastic temporary crown.  In addition to placing the permanent crown, your dentist should look carefully at your bite (occlusion) and any harmful dental habits you might have (clenching or grinding of your teeth).  He may recommend a "night guard" appliance to help protect your teeth, jaw joints and muscles from some of the damaging effects that can occur from those habits.

Sarah Kim Kong, DDS · Answer

If you have already had to go back to your dentist to have the temporary crown repaired twice, it seems to indicate that your dentist cares enough about your tooth and finds it important to see you in this event.  If you haven't already, call your dentist immediately! Ask if they can move up your appointment for the permanent crown to avoid further mishaps with your temporary crown.  Good luck!

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

I disagree with the other dentists.  In my mind regardless of whether the tooth is sensitive or not I would definitely want my patient to have it recemented in so as to prevent the prepared tooth from shifting and making the permanent crown more difficult to insert.  Call your dentist and see what they say

Carlo Biasucci, DDS · Answer

Generally if the tooth is not sensitive and not an esthetic concern, it doesn't matter, however if you call your dentist and let them know, usually if the final crown comes back from the lab sooner they will see you sooner than your scheduled appointment.  If the tooth is sensitive then it's an issue and you need to have it replaced right away or even with the final crown the tooth will be sensitive for some time.

Donald L. Wilcox, DDS · Answer

If you are not feeling any discomfort, you may be able to go without the temporary until your seating appointment for the final crown.  I would call the dental office to see if they are concerned that the tooth may shift or possibly they could move up your appointment to an earlier date since the temporary has been a hassle for you.

My Temp Crown Broke for the Third Time, What Should I Do?

Answers (6)

Answer: Temporary Crowns

Answer: Temporary Crowns

Answer: Temporary Keeps Breaking

Answer: Temporary Keeps Breaking

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My Temp Crown Broke for the Third Time, What Should I Do?

Answers (6)

Answer: Temporary Crowns

Answer: Temporary Crowns

Answer: Temporary Keeps Breaking

Answer: Temporary Keeps Breaking

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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.