What is what to do when temporary crown falls off?

Okay, here's information on what to do if your temporary crown falls off, formatted in Markdown with links as requested:

My Temporary Crown Fell Off! What Do I Do?

It's surprisingly common for temporary crowns to come loose. Here's a breakdown of what to do:

1. Don't Panic: It's usually not an emergency, but prompt action is best.

2. Retrieve and Clean: Carefully find the temporary crown. Gently clean it with water. Do not use toothpaste, as it can damage the crown.

3. Examine the Crown: Check the temporary crown for any breaks or cracks. If it's damaged, do not try to re-cement it. Call your dentist immediately.

4. Inspect the Tooth: Look at the tooth where the temporary crown was. It might be sensitive to air and temperature. If there are any sharp edges that are irritating your tongue or cheek, call your dentist. If it is causing you extreme pain, it is best to call your dentist immediately.

5. Try to Recement (If Appropriate): If the temporary crown is intact and you're not in significant pain, you might be able to recement it yourself temporarily. You can find temporary dental cement at most drugstores. Follow the product instructions carefully. Before you put the cement, make sure the crown is clean and dry, and the tooth is also clean and dry. Do not use permanent glue under any conditions.

6. If You Can't Recement: If you can't recement the crown, keep it in a safe place and call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have it recemented by a professional.

7. Protect the Tooth: If you can't recement the crown, you can buy dental wax at most pharmacies. Roll a small piece of wax into a ball and press it onto the tooth to help protect it from sensitivity and irritation. Remove the wax before eating or brushing.

8. Contact Your Dentist: Crucially, call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to have the temporary crown properly recemented. It is very important to recement the temporary crown in order to protect your teeth.

   • Delaying recementing the crown can cause a lot of problems:
     • Tooth Movement: Your teeth can shift, which can cause problems with the fit of your permanent crown.
     • Sensitivity: The exposed tooth will likely be sensitive.
     • Gum Irritation: The gums around the prepared tooth can become irritated.
     • Infection: In rare cases, the tooth can become infected.
     • The bite and jaw joint may be affected in the long term.

9. Important Note: Do not wait for your permanent crown appointment. A missing temporary crown can lead to problems that affect the fit of your final restoration.

Important Subjects:

• Temporary Crowns
• Dental Cement
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Contacting Your Dentist
• Infection