What to Do If Your Temporary
Dental Crown Falls Off
It’s not uncommon for a temporary dental crown to come loose or fall off before your permanent one is ready. In fact, they’re intentionally designed to be removable—so your dentist can easily replace them with your permanent crown once it’s fabricated.
While it can be unsettling to lose a crown unexpectedly, there’s no need to panic. Temporary crowns are bonded using a weaker dental cement than permanent crowns, making them more susceptible to dislodgement, especially when chewing sticky foods or grinding your teeth at night.
Here’s what you need to know if your temporary crown has come off—and how to handle it safely until your next dental appointment.
✅ First Steps: If Your Temporary Crown Comes Off
If your crown falls out, take these immediate actions:
- Locate the crown and keep it in a clean container. Avoid misplacing or damaging it.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to keep the area clean.
- Avoid chewing on the exposed tooth. It’s often more sensitive without its temporary covering.
Can’t See the Dentist Right Away? Here’s What to Do
If you can’t get to your dentist immediately, it’s possible to temporarily reattach the crown at home. Here’s how:
You’ll Need:
- Temporary crown adhesive or dental cement (available over the counter at most drugstores)
- A clean tissue or paper towel
- A mirror and good lighting
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Clean the crown and your tooth gently with warm water—don’t use soap or toothpaste.
- Dry both the crown and your tooth thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of temporary dental adhesive inside the crown. Don’t overfill.
- Position the crown over your tooth and gently press it into place. Make sure it’s seated correctly—don’t force it.
- Bite down gently to ensure it’s properly aligned.
- Wipe away any excess adhesive and avoid chewing on that side until the cement sets.
⚠️ When Not to Reattach Your Temporary Crown
There are situations where reattaching your crown at home is not advisable. Skip the DIY fix and call your dentist right away if:
- ❌ You experience pain, pressure, or sensitivity—this could signal an infection or exposed nerve.
- ❌ There is swelling or bleeding around the area.
- ❌ The crown or underlying tooth is damaged or fractured.
- ❌ You’re unsure if the crown fits properly.
Attempting to glue a crown back in those cases can cause further damage or complicate treatment.
Don’t Delay Professional Care
While a DIY repair can buy you a few days, it’s not a substitute for professional dental care. A temporary fix should be just that—temporary. Schedule a visit with us as soon as possible to resecure the crown or move forward with placing your permanent one.
Final Thoughts
Temporary crowns are an important step in your dental restoration process. If yours falls off, take a deep breath, follow these steps, and reach out to us promptly. With a little care (and maybe a trip to the pharmacy), you can keep your smile safe until your final crown is ready to shine.