Can I Eat If My Temporary Crown Falls Out?
Losing your temporary crown can be unsettling, leaving you wondering about the next steps, especially regarding eating. The short answer is: yes, but with caution. While you can still eat, it's crucial to be mindful of what and how you consume food to avoid further complications.
This article will address your concerns and provide practical guidance on managing this situation until you can see your dentist.
What Happens If My Temporary Crown Falls Out?
A temporary crown, also known as a provisional crown, is a temporary restoration placed after a tooth has been prepared for a permanent crown. Its primary purpose is to protect the prepared tooth, maintain its shape, and provide a natural-looking appearance while the permanent crown is being fabricated in a dental lab. When it falls out, the underlying prepared tooth is exposed, leaving it vulnerable to damage, sensitivity, and potential infection.
Can I Eat Solid Foods with a Missing Temporary Crown?
The key is to avoid putting pressure on the exposed tooth. While you can technically eat, sticking to soft foods is highly recommended. This means avoiding:
- Hard foods: Nuts, hard candies, popcorn, chips, etc., can easily damage the exposed tooth.
- Chewy foods: Tough meats, bagels, and sticky candies can dislodge the remaining tooth structure.
- Foods that require significant chewing: Anything that necessitates forceful chewing puts undue stress on the exposed tooth.
Opt for softer options such as:
- Yogurt: Provides essential nutrients and is gentle on the tooth.
- Mashed potatoes: Easy to chew and swallow.
- Soups: Broths and pureed soups are ideal.
- Scrambled eggs: Soft and nutritious.
- Applesauce: A good source of fiber without the need for extensive chewing.
What Should I Do If My Temporary Crown Falls Out?
First, remain calm. While inconvenient, it's not a dental emergency in most cases. Here's what you should do:
- Locate the crown: If possible, carefully retrieve the temporary crown and store it in a safe place. It may be possible to temporarily re-cement it.
- Clean the area: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area.
- Contact your dentist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. They will assess the situation, and potentially recement the temporary crown or prepare the tooth for the permanent crown.
- Avoid pressure: Be extremely cautious when eating and avoid placing pressure on the affected tooth.
How Long Can I Go Without a Temporary Crown?
Ideally, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. The longer the tooth is exposed, the higher the risk of damage, sensitivity, or infection.
Can I Re-Cement My Temporary Crown Myself?
While you might be tempted to re-cement the crown yourself using over-the-counter dental adhesives, it's generally not recommended. Improper re-cementation could further damage the tooth or create a less-than-ideal seal, potentially leading to infection. Leave this to the professionals.
Is it an Emergency if my Temporary Crown Falls Out?
It's not typically a life-threatening emergency, but it is considered a dental emergency if you experience significant pain, swelling, or infection. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. They'll be able to assess the situation and provide necessary care.
By following these guidelines, you can manage the situation until your appointment with your dentist, minimizing the risk of complications. Remember, prevention is key, and sticking to soft foods is the best approach when dealing with a missing temporary crown.
