What To Do When A Temporary Crown Falls Out

So, there I was, chomping down on a crisp apple, when suddenly, I felt something shift in my mouth. Before I could say "bite me," my temporary crown decided it was done with the whole "temporary" thing and bid me adieu. I sat there, mouth full of apple and a dash of panic, wondering, "What do I do now?"

If you've found yourself in a similar situation, don't worry, you're not alone. Temporary crowns, much like some of our relationships, can be fleeting. But fear not, for I have navigated the treacherous waters of the dislodged temporary crown and lived to tell the tale. Let's dive in, shall we?

First Things First: Stay Calm

I know, I know, easier said than done. But panicking won't help your crown grow back, and it might just make things worse. So, take a deep breath, maybe even a sip of water (but not too much, we don't want to swallow the little escapee).

Now, look in the mirror. If you can see the crown, great! If not, don't worry, we'll find it. Just remember, no matter how tempting, do not swallow it. Trust me, your digestive system has enough to deal with without adding a porcelain intruder to the mix.

Retrieve the Rogue Crown

Alright, let's find that little Houdini. If it's visible, use some warm water to rinse your mouth and try to retrieve it. You can use a clean finger, or even a cotton swab if you're feeling fancy. If it's hiding, don't despair. It's probably just chilling under your tongue or cheek. Use your finger to feel around, it's like a tiny, porcelain Easter egg hunt.

If you're still having trouble, do not use tweezers. They're slippery little devils, and you might end up pushing the crown further back or, even worse, losing it. If you can't find it after a few minutes, it's time to call in the professionals.

Crown or Filling Falls Out? What to Do Next - ComfoDent Dental Group

Call Your Dentist

Pick up that phone and dial your dentist's number. They've seen it all before, so don't feel embarrassed. They'll likely want to see you as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the crown in a safe place. A small container or even a zip-top bag will do.

When you talk to your dentist, they might ask you to bring the crown with you. If so, do not try to clean it. Just pop it in the bag and bring it along. Your dentist will know how to clean and re-cement it if necessary.

What to Do Until Your Appointment

So, you've got an appointment, the crown is safely stashed, now what? Well, for starters, do not eat on the side where the crown was. You don't want to cause any damage to the underlying tooth or the surrounding teeth. Stick to soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or very hot foods.

What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Falls Out | Gardner Wade DDS, LLC

Also, try to avoid playing around with the area where the crown was. It's tempting, I know, but you could end up causing more harm than good. And remember, no flossing or brushing that area until your dentist gives you the all-clear.

Preventing Future Escapes

Alright, so you've got your crown back in place, and you're ready to face the world again. But how do you prevent a repeat performance? Well, for starters, make sure you're taking good care of your teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and don't forget to see your dentist for regular check-ups.

Also, be gentle with your teeth. Avoid biting down on hard objects, and try to chew your food evenly. And if you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard. It could save you from future crown dramas.

And there you have it, folks. The tale of the great crown escape and how to handle it like a champ. So, next time your temporary crown decides it's had enough, you'll know exactly what to do. Happy smiling!