Temporary crown fell off

Dr. Hall,
If a temporary crown falls off will a little toothpaste or vaseline re-activate it?
– Marlene from California

Marlene,
I’m assuming you’re asking how to fasten the temporary crown back on  your teeth. You’re smart to know that you need to have this temporary crown back on. It is possible for your tooth to get damaged if it is exposed for several days without the temporary crown on. Also, your teeth will drift together and make it so your permanent crown won’t fit, meaning that you will have to go back through the entire crown preparation process again and get another crown made, and your dentist may charge extra for that.

Toothpaste or vaseline won’t hold the temporary crown. Actually, my opinion is that your dentist should assume the responsibility for re-cementing your temporary crown for no charge. I think most dentists do that. That’s the best option.

Three other options if you can’t get in to see your dentist:
Superglue. It will hold things on your teeth quite well. But beware – you could complicate the final treatment because of problems in cleaning off the superglue later. So only do this if you call your dentist and she or he says it’s okay.

Denture adhesive. This will hold fairly decently.

Drug stores often have temporary dental cement to help hold on temporary crowns.

I hope this is helpful,
Dr. Hall

Related links:
Read about dental crowns in general and porcelain crowns in particular.
Cerec crowns don’t require a second appointment, so no temporary crown is necessary.