I don’t know if my temporary crown has fallen off because it’s cheap or if my dentist is at fault. I have an appointment with my dentist on June 17 to cement a permanent crown on my upper first molar. I got my first temporary crown on a Tuesday in late March, and it fell off on a Thursday afternoon. I remember the day because I have a Bible study class every Thursday, and the crown fell off while I was there. The office was closed the next day, which I understood, so I was patient. When I returned to the dental office on Monday, the dentist made another temporary crown that came off the same week. The crown fell off twice again, and the last time, my dentist took another impression of my tooth because the lab said the first one was no good. I am wearing a crown that has not come off, but I felt weird last week while eating. I am afraid that the final crown will come off. Should I ask for another temporary crown and wait three months to see if anything happens before I agree to the final one? I fear it will fall off, and I will swallow and aspirate it into my lungs. I don’t know how many more dental appointments I can take without something to calm my nerves. Thank you. Liz
Liz,
We understand your concerns. Your dentist has found it challenging to get your impression right and keep your crown attached to your tooth. If we were in your situation, we would cancel the restoration and look for a skilled cosmetic dentist.
Why Would a Temporary Crown Fall Off?
Dental crown
Although it is not uncommon for a temporary crown to fall off, a repeated problem shows a lack of your dentist’s skill and decreases confidence in his ability. Your dentist may have taken a wrong impression of your tooth or overprepared it.
Tooth preparation
Another dentist can examine your tooth and determine whether your dentist tapered it excessively or too short. In either case, retaining a crown would be challenging for an overprepared tooth.
Tooth impression
A dentist may have problems with a tooth impression for a crown if they have trouble preventing fluid from seeping into the impression and contaminating it. Although a dentist could catch the mistake, sometimes the dental lab catches it.
Questions about your tooth impression and preparation make it wise to get a second opinion.
Can You Switch Dentists Mid-Treatment for a Dental Crown?
Problems with tooth preparation and crown retention are good reasons to switch dentists during dental crown treatment. You can request a refund and get proof of faulty work from your new dentist after they examine and x-ray your tooth. And yes, a loose crown increases the risk of swallowing it and aspirating it into your lungs. Ask your new dentist about sedation options if you need help relaxing to get a new crown.
The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Henderson, Dr. Finley, and Dr. Coughran strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.
