What is what to do when temporary crown falls out?

Okay, here's information about what to do if your temporary crown falls out, formatted in Markdown with linked key phrases:

My Temporary Crown Fell Out! What Now?

It's not uncommon for a temporary crown to come loose. Here's what you should do:

  1. Don't Panic! It happens. The tooth is usually not in immediate danger.

  2. Retrieve the Crown: Carefully find the temporary crown. Rinse it gently with water.

  3. Inspect the Crown and Tooth: Look at the crown's inside and your tooth. Are there any sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek?

  4. Clean the Area: Gently brush the exposed tooth with a soft toothbrush. Be gentle to avoid irritating the area.

  5. Consider Re-cementing (Carefully):

    • If you have dental cement (sometimes provided by your dentist), you can attempt to re-cement the temporary crown. Only do this if the crown fits snugly and easily back into place.
    • Never force the crown.
    • If you don't have dental cement, a small amount of denture adhesive (available at most pharmacies) can be used as a temporary measure. Use sparingly!
    • Before re-cementing, clean the inside of the crown and dry your tooth.
    • Apply a small amount of cement to the inside of the crown and gently seat it on the tooth.
    • Bite down gently to ensure it's properly seated.
    • Remove any excess cement immediately.
  6. If You Can't Re-cement It: Keep the temporary crown safe.

  7. Contact Your Dentist Immediately: This is the most important step. Your dentist needs to re-cement the crown professionally as soon as possible to protect the prepared tooth and ensure your bite remains correct. The longer the tooth is exposed, the higher the risk of sensitivity, shifting of adjacent teeth, or other problems. Schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

  8. Protect the Exposed Tooth (While Waiting for Your Appointment):

    • Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
    • If the tooth is sensitive to temperature, use a desensitizing toothpaste.
    • You can also purchase temporary filling material (available at pharmacies) to cover the tooth in the interim, following the package instructions carefully.

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