What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off on the Weekend

Temporary crowns are designed to protect your tooth while waiting for your permanent crown. However, accidents happen, and a temporary crown may fall off, especially on weekends when your dentist’s office is closed. If this happens to you, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to protect your tooth and manage the situation until you can see your dentist.

At Smyrna Dental Studio, we understand that dental emergencies can occur at any time. This guide will walk you through what to do if your temporary crown falls off on the weekend, how to protect your tooth, and when to seek emergency dental care.

Why Do Temporary Crowns Fall Off?

A temporary crown is not cemented as securely as a permanent one. It is meant to be removed easily by your dentist when it’s time to place the final crown. Here are some common reasons why a temporary crown may fall off:

• Chewing sticky or hard foods that loosen the temporary adhesive.

• Brushing or flossing too aggressively, dislodging the crown.

• Tooth structure changes due to grinding or shifting.

• Weak temporary cement that naturally wears off over time.

Understanding these causes can help prevent your temporary crown from falling off again in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off

1. Check for Damage

Carefully inspect the temporary crown and your tooth. If the crown is cracked, broken, or missing pieces, do not attempt to place it back in your mouth. If the tooth is painful, sensitive, or exposed, take extra precautions to protect it until you can see your dentist.

2. Keep the Crown Safe

If the temporary crown is intact, store it in a clean container or a plastic bag to bring to your dentist. If it is lost or too damaged to reuse, your dentist will need to make a new one.

3. Protect the Exposed Tooth

Without a temporary crown, your tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure. To protect it:

• Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.

• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

• Use an over-the-counter dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area temporarily.

4. Reattach the Temporary Crown (If Possible)

If your crown is undamaged, you may be able to place it back onto the tooth using temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies. Follow these steps:

1. Clean the Crown and Tooth: Rinse both with warm water to remove debris.

2. Dry the Area: Use a clean tissue or gauze to pat the tooth and crown dry.

3. Apply Temporary Cement: Use a small amount of dental adhesive, denture adhesive, or even toothpaste as a temporary fix.

4. Place the Crown Gently: Position the crown over the tooth and bite down lightly to ensure a snug fit.

5. Remove Excess Cement: Wipe away any extra adhesive with a damp cloth or cotton swab.

Note: Do not force the crown if it does not fit properly. If you experience pain or discomfort, leave the crown off and protect the tooth instead.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

While losing a temporary crown is not always an emergency, certain situations require urgent attention. Contact Smyrna Dental Studio or seek emergency dental care if:

• The underlying tooth is extremely sensitive or painful.

• The crown or tooth is cracked or broken.

• You swallowed or inhaled the crown.

• The gum around the tooth is swollen or infected.

• You are experiencing severe discomfort that affects eating or sleeping.

We offer emergency dental services in Smyrna, GA, to help patients manage urgent dental concerns, including lost or broken crowns.

Tips to Prevent Temporary Crown Issues

To reduce the risk of your temporary crown falling off again, follow these precautions:

✅ Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods (e.g., gum, caramel, nuts).

✅ Be gentle when brushing and flossing around the crown.

✅ Floss carefully by pulling the floss out from the side rather than pulling it up.

✅ Minimize grinding or clenching (consider using a night guard if needed).

✅ Schedule your permanent crown appointment promptly to avoid long-term reliance on a temporary crown.

Conclusion

If your temporary crown falls off on the weekend, don’t panic. Follow the immediate steps to protect your tooth, attempt a temporary reattachment if possible, and contact your dentist as soon as they reopen. For severe pain, sensitivity, or damage, seek emergency dental care immediately.

At Smyrna Dental Studio, we provide same-day emergency dental care to help you restore your smile quickly and comfortably. If you’ve lost a temporary crown, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.