A temporary crown is held on with a softer cement so your dentist can remove it easily when your permanent crown is ready, usually in around two to three weeks. That also means it can sometimes come loose while you are eating or flossing.
If yours has fallen off, try not to worry. It is usually a simple fix. Here is what to do until you can see us.
What to do straight away
1. Keep the temporary crown
Put the crown somewhere safe, such as a small container or a clean zip-lock bag. If it is undamaged, your dentist may be able to clean it and put it back on.
2. Clean it gently
Rinse it under cool water and gently remove any food or old cement with a soft toothbrush. Don’t scrape or try to reshape it.
3. Look after the exposed tooth
The tooth underneath may feel sensitive to hot, cold, sweet foods or air. To keep it comfortable:
- rinse gently with warm water and keep the area clean
- avoid chewing on that side
- choose soft foods and avoid very hot, very cold, hard or sticky foods.
4. Call us
Phone Parramatta Dentistry on (02) 8090 1109 and let us know your temporary crown has come off. We will arrange a time to check the tooth and re-cement or replace it.
Don’t glue it back on yourself
Please don’t use superglue, household glue or any other non-dental adhesive. These products are not made for use in the mouth. They can irritate the gum, damage the tooth and make the crown hard to remove cleanly, which may affect the fit of your permanent crown. If the crown doesn’t sit comfortably, leave it out and bring it to your appointment.
Why it’s worth seeing us soon
Even if the tooth feels fine, the temporary crown has a job to do. It protects the prepared tooth, helps keep the gum healthy and stops nearby teeth from shifting. If teeth move, even slightly, your permanent crown may not fit as planned.
When it’s urgent
Call us as soon as possible if you notice:
- pain that is getting worse or doesn’t settle
- swelling of the gum, face or jaw
- a cracked, broken or loose tooth
- bleeding that doesn’t stop.
Our emergency dentistry page explains how we handle urgent appointments. If you have spreading facial swelling, a fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
What the dentist will do
At your appointment, your dentist will check the tooth and gum, clean the tooth and the temporary crown, then re-cement it or make a new one if needed. They will check your bite and explain how to look after it until your permanent crown is fitted. If it keeps coming off, they will look at why, such as the bite or the foods you are eating.
Learn more on our temporary crown page.
What about cost?
The cost of re-cementing or replacing a temporary crown depends on what your dentist finds, and we will explain any fees before treatment. If you need an urgent visit, an emergency consultation with x-rays is $100.
For the permanent crown, porcelain crowns at Parramatta Dentistry start from $1,800 per tooth. This is a guide only. Your fee depends on the material and any extra treatment needed, and is confirmed after an examination. See our guide to dental crown cost in Parramatta for more detail. Payment plans may be available on eligible treatments, subject to approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a temporary crown to fall off?
It is not unusual. The softer cement and sticky or hard foods can loosen it. Keep the crown and call us so we can put it back on.
Can I leave it off until my next appointment?
It’s best not to. The tooth may become sensitive and nearby teeth can shift, which may affect how your permanent crown fits.
What if my temporary crown broke?
Keep any pieces and bring them in. Your dentist can usually make a new temporary crown to protect the tooth.
How can I stop it coming off again?
Avoid chewy, sticky and hard foods such as toffee, gum and nuts on that side. When flossing, slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling it up.
Book with Parramatta Dentistry
If your temporary crown has come off or feels loose, call (02) 8090 1109 or book online. We are at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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