What is what to do when a temporary crown comes off?

Okay, here's the information about what to do when a temporary crown comes off, in markdown format with the requested links:

What to Do When Your Temporary Crown Comes Off

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

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

2. Retrieve the Crown: Carefully find the temporary crown.

3. Clean the Crown: Gently clean the inside of the crown. You can use a soft toothbrush (without toothpaste) to remove any debris.

4. Examine the Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Check the underlying tooth. If the tooth is extremely sensitive or painful, contact your dentist immediately.

5. Try to Recement (If Possible): If you have dental cement from your dentist (they sometimes provide it), you can attempt to recement the temporary crown yourself. Follow these steps:

   • Apply a small amount of dental cement to the inside of the crown.
   • Carefully seat the crown back onto the tooth.
   • Bite down gently but firmly to ensure it's properly seated.
   • Wipe away any excess cement.

6. If You Don't Have Cement: You can try using a small amount of denture adhesive as a temporary measure to hold the crown in place until you can see your dentist. Vaseline also works well to hold it in place overnight.

7. Protect the Tooth: If you cannot recement the crown, it's crucial to protect the exposed tooth. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of over-the-counter dental wax (available at most drugstores) to the tooth to cover it. This will help reduce sensitivity and prevent damage.

8. Contact Your Dentist Immediately: Regardless of whether you're able to recement the crown or not, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The underlying tooth is vulnerable and needs the permanent crown to be placed soon. Delaying this can lead to further complications, such as shifting of the teeth or increased sensitivity, requiring you to search for <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/find%20an%20emergency%20dentist">find an emergency dentist</a>.

9. Dietary Considerations: Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that could dislodge the temporary crown or damage the exposed tooth.

Important Considerations:

• Sensitivity: Some sensitivity is normal when the temporary crown is off. This is due to the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) being exposed.

• Sharp Edges: Be aware of any sharp edges on the exposed tooth that could irritate your tongue or cheek. Dental wax can help smooth these out, leading to a search for <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/dental%20wax%20uses">dental wax uses</a>.

• Swallowing the Crown: While rare, it's possible to swallow the temporary crown. Usually, it will pass through your system without issue. However, if you experience any discomfort or believe it may have been aspirated (inhaled into your lungs), seek immediate medical attention.

• Long-Term Solution: Remember that a temporary crown is not meant to be a long-term solution. It is crucial to get your permanent crown placed as soon as possible. If you delay replacing the temporary crown you may be faced with questions regarding <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/temporary%20vs%20permanent%20crown">temporary vs permanent crown</a> issues.

Following these steps will help protect your tooth and ensure a smooth transition to your permanent crown.