The whole point of a temporary crown - also known as a provisional - is to simply protect the sensitive and exposed tooth structure while awaiting a permanent restoration.
By their very nature, they’re designed to come off with time. But, they are not supposed to come off on their own - and you should not attempt to pry them loose yourself.
Still, can temporary crowns fall off on their own? How often do temporary crowns fall off? More importantly, why do temporary crowns fall off and what should you do if it happens? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll answer all these questions and many others you may have.
Whether you’re a dental professional or a patient worried about your provisional coming loose, knowing what to do if temporary crown falls off is like listening to the pre-flight instructions for emergency landings or loss of pressure - you will likely NEVER need to put any of it into practice, but it’s imperative that you’re prepared just in case.
Temporary crowns falling off is very rare, especially when the dental professional uses a premium dental temporary crown material with the proper application method. That’s why dentists shop at My DDS Supply to set themselves up for success. Do the same today!
Overview of Temporary Crowns (Provisionals)
Let’s start with a bit of context for those just receiving their first provisional. What is the purpose of a temporary crown, exactly? These short-term dental restorations protect and maintain the function of a prepared tooth while a permanent crown is being fabricated.
They’re typically made from acrylic or composite resin and aren’t designed to last long, but they do serve an important purpose in the meantime. They shield the underlying tooth structure from damage or sensitivity after preparation.
They also help maintain proper spacing and alignment so adjacent teeth don’t shift around in the days or weeks before the permanent restoration is ready. Even marginal movement would interfere with the placement of the permanent crown.
Of course, a provisional also plays a role in restoring the tooth’s appearance and functionality, allowing patients to eat and smile with confidence until their final restoration is ready.
Root canal treatments, dental implants, or permanent crowns and bridges are all common applications for temporary crowns. So, how long does a temporary crown last? Anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months is standard.
But along this timeline, can temporary crowns fall off on their own? More specifically, how often do temporary crowns fall off without dentist intervention?
How Often Do Temporary Crowns Fall Off?
If you’re stressing about your provisional coming loose while you await the permanent restoration, you can take a deep breath and relax. This is very rare, especially if you choose a good dentist and follow their aftercare instructions closely.
However, it is possible - albeit rare - for temporary crowns to come off before the permanent restoration is ready. Let’s take a look at some of the stats.
Can Temporary Crowns Fall Off On Their Own?
Temporary crowns are secured using a weaker dental cement than permanent crowns, allowing for easy removal when it’s time to place the permanent restoration.
This begs the question, how strong is dental cement? It all depends on the material in question. So, what are temporary crowns made of? Zinc oxide and eugenol cements are commonly used for securing temporary crowns, whereas something stronger like polycarboxylate is used for permanent restoration placement.
In general, provisionals are secured with a weaker bond by design - the goal is to eventually remove them with minimal trauma, after all. But in some cases, this can result in the crown detaching under certain circumstances.
We’ll dig into the common causes of provisional displacement in just a moment. First, how often do temporary crowns fall off?
Frequency Statistics for Temporary Crowns Falling Off
Like we said from the start, this is not something you should be concerned about as temporary crowns falling off is very rare. Clinical reports suggest that only 5-10% of temporary crowns may dislodge before the permanent crown is placed.
Of those instances, most can be attributed to patient error in aftercare. Consuming hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods increases the risk of premature displacement.
However, the likelihood increases in cases where the underlying tooth structure has been extensively reshaped or weakened as well. Sometimes it’s completely outside of your control, like an accidental impact.
Let’s dig into all the potential culprits below so you know what to avoid.
Why Do Temporary Crowns Fall Off?
So, why do temporary crowns fall off? Really there are just three causes: dental professional errors, patient aftercare issues, or accidental trauma. We’ll unpack all the common causes.
Adhesive Weakness
Like we touched on already, provisionals are secured using weaker dental cement to allow easy removal when the permanent crown is ready to be placed.
Sometimes, though, the chosen adhesive is too weak, or not enough is used. Factors such as excess moisture during application or a thin layer of cement both reduce adhesion.
Poor Oral Habits
You know that certain foods can increase the risk of premature provisional displacement already - caramels, chewing gum, hard candy, etc. - but there are quite a few oral habits that can create issues.
Chewing on ice or pens, for example, can place unnecessary stress on the crown. It might not pop off immediately, but these actions compound over time to increase the likelihood of early detachment.
Improper Fit or Placement Issues
Even though it’s a temporary solution, proper fit and placement are of the utmost importance. This is why dental professionals need to take their time in this procedure, ensuring a snug fit and proper alignment with adjacent teeth.
Placement errors during the initial fitting, such as incomplete seating or uneven cement application, can also compromise the crown’s stability.
Dental Decay or Structural Damage
This risk factor is less common, but worth noting nonetheless. Decay or damage to the underlying tooth structure can cause the crown to lose its grip and break free. This can be the result of cavities or fractures.
Accidental Trauma
Unintended impact, such as biting down hard on a foreign object or an accidental blow to the mouth, can dislodge a temporary crown. This is most common in patients who engage in contact sports without protective mouthguards or who experience unexpected facial injuries.
What to Do if Temporary Crown Falls Off
Again, knowing what to do if temporary crown falls off is information you hopefully never need to use. But if you’re here reading this guide, you might already be dealing with a loose provisional - or complete dislodgment. Here is what not to do along with the proper steps to take.
What Not to Do
The last thing you want is to inadvertently cause more harm than good. Let’s talk about what should be avoided first:
- Avoid using super glue or other non-dental adhesives: These substances are unsafe for oral use and can harm the tooth, gums, or restoration process.
- Don’t chew on the affected side: This minimizes additional stress on the exposed tooth and reduces the risk of further damage.
- Avoid eating sticky, hard, or crunchy foods: These can dislodge or damage the temporary crown if you’ve attempted to reattach it.
- Do not ignore the problem: Leaving the tooth exposed for too long increases the risk of complications, including decay and structural damage.
Attempting to Replace the Temporary Crown
Your gut reaction to a temporary crown popping loose is likely to replace it. Assuming you didn’t accidentally swallow the crown, this is a viable option.
Start by carefully cleaning it with lukewarm water, and then do the same to the tooth structure itself. After cleaning both connection points you can try to reposition the crown on the tooth to protect it temporarily.
However, you may need to use some sort of adhesive to get a stronger bond. You have some options. Dental adhesive, temporary crown cement, or petroleum jelly (as a last resort) from a pharmacy can help hold the crown in place until your dental appointment.
Just make sure you don’t use too much of this, as it can complicate professional re-cementation. Ideally, you’d get in touch with your dentist right away to discuss next steps.
How Long Can You Go if Your Temporary Crown Falls Off?
It’s easy to stress about seeing your provisional in the palm of your hand, but don’t freak out just yet. How long can you go if your temporary crown falls off before you need to seek professional care?
It’s important not to leave the tooth exposed for too long. Generally, you should avoid going more than a few days without replacing or reattaching the temporary crown. Here’s what happens if you wait too long to rectify the issue:
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Risk of decay or infection in the exposed tooth structure.
- Shifting of the tooth or surrounding teeth affects the fit of the permanent crown.
If you’re unable to see your dentist immediately, try the solutions we shared above to reattach the provisional using dental adhesive or cement. Still, it’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
When to Contact a Dentist
The moment your crown pops loose, give your dentist a call. They’ll be able to guide you more accurately since they know your circumstances better than we do. Immediate attention is especially important if:
- You experience pain, swelling, or sensitivity in the tooth or surrounding area.
- The crown no longer fits securely on the tooth.
- There are sharp edges causing discomfort or injury to your tongue or gums.
We know another trip to the dentist is the last thing you want, but it may be in the cards for you. Prolonged exposure of the tooth can lead to sensitivity, decay, or damage.
Tips on Preventing Temporary Crown Falling Off
Before we wrap things up today we want to share some quick tips on how you can lower the likelihood of your temporary crown falling off - and what dentists who experience this issue frequently can do to prevent it going forward.
Follow Dental Aftercare Instructions
Always follow the specific guidance provided by your dentist, such as avoiding certain foods, brushing gently around the crown, and using a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Flossing must be done with care and precision to avoid prying the provisional free. Slide the floss out sideways instead of pulling it upward for the time being.
You should brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush, focusing on the areas around the crown to prevent plaque build-up. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to minimize bacteria and reduce the risk of decay under the temporary crown.
Finally, try to avoid vigorous rinsing. It sounds crazy, but even this can loosen the adhesive holding the crown in place. You need to be gentle in all aspects of oral care for the interim.
Avoiding Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Speaking of gentleness, you need to be extra careful if you’re a patient who grinds or clenches their teeth (bruxism).
If you’re prone to bruxism make sure you’ve informed your dentist as they might be able to provide a custom nightguard to protect both the temporary crown and your natural teeth during sleep.
Minimize stress and avoid habits like nail-biting to further preserve the crown’s placement.
Advice for Dental Professionals With Frequent Provisional Issues
Some dental professionals feel as if they’re doing everything right, and yet, they still face recurrent issues with temporary crowns dislodging. There are two likely culprits here: improper technique or low-quality materials.
Start by ensuring the tooth preparation supports proper retention. Adjust the occlusion to avoid undue pressure on the crown during function. Our guide on how to make temporary crown is a good starting point, even if you are a seasoned professional, a refresher never hurts!
But if you suspect it’s low-quality temporary dental cement or crown materials holding you back, it’s time to make the upgrade at My DDS Supply. We’re your factory-direct eBay store for all things dental supplies. Here’s what sets our materials apart:
- Durability and Strength: Our materials feature high marginal integrity and resistance to wear so crowns remain intact even under significant stress.
- Reliable Adhesives: Our adhesive systems provide optimal retention while still being easy to remove during crown replacement.
- User-Friendly Mixing Ratios: Designed for consistent results to save time and eliminate guesswork.
- Aesthetic Results: Natural tooth shades like A1, A2, and B1 blend seamlessly, giving patients confidence in their temporary restorations.
You gain access to a wide selection at unbeatable prices with world-class customer service every step of the way. We have everything else you need for provisionals and permanent restorations, and any other procedure in your practice for that matter, too.
That includes dental impression trays, dental gloves, alginate impression material, VPS impression material, and much, much more. So, don’t settle for less than the best - your reputation is on the line, after all! Guarantee superior patient outcomes at My DDS Supply.
Final Thoughts on What Happens if My Temporary Crown Falls Off
So, how often do temporary crowns fall off, and why do temporary crowns fall off in the first place? Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some clarity on temporary crowns falling off.
Losing a temporary crown can be inconvenient, but with the right steps, it’s manageable. Still, prevention is always better than cure, and following aftercare practices and using high-quality materials can make all the difference.
Find additional insights on how long does dental cement last, how to soften dental putty, alginate impression errors, how long does dental putty last, how to mix alginate, dental sterilization pouches sizes, dental suctioning techniques, and more in our blog.
Otherwise, as a dental expert, it’s time to put the stress of temporary crowns falling off in the past with our premium materials here at My DDS Supply. Elevate your provisional process today!