You're winding down for the night, prepping for tomorrow’s high-stakes meeting, when pop—you suddenly feel something loose in your mouth. You check and realize your temporary crown has come off.

Of all the nights, right?

Before you spiral, here’s the good news: it’s not the end of the world, and there’s something you can do tonight to feel confident walking into that meeting tomorrow.

Why It Happened

Temporary crowns are meant to be easy to remove when it’s time to place your permanent crown. They’re held in with a weak, temporary cement—so chewing something sticky, clenching at night, or even brushing too firmly can make them come off early.

It’s common. And manageable.

What To Do Tonight

Here’s your simple plan to get through tonight and tomorrow without stress:

1. Clean the Crown and Your Tooth:

• Gently rinse the temporary crown with water to remove any debris.
• Rinse your mouth and the tooth where the crown came off. You can use a soft toothbrush to lightly clean the area if needed.

2. Dry Everything:

• Use a tissue or gauze to dry the crown and your tooth.
• A dry surface helps it stick better.

3. Apply Temporary Adhesive:

• You can buy temporary dental cement at a pharmacy (like Dentemp or Recapit).
• If you don’t have that, a small dab of toothpaste or petroleum jelly can work very temporarily to hold it in place.

4. Seat the Crown:

• Place the crown back over your tooth, lining it up properly (it should fit like a puzzle piece).
• Press down gently but firmly. Bite down softly to make sure it feels natural — not too high.

5. Wipe Off Excess Cement:

• If you used dental cement and any squeezes out, gently wipe the excess with a tissue or cotton swab.

6. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods:

• Chew on the other side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until you get it permanently re-cemented at your dentist’s office.

⚡ Important:

• If it doesn’t fit properly, don’t force it — just keep the crown in a clean container and call your dentist.
• See your dentist ASAP — a temporary crown is meant for short-term protection only.

Bottom Line

Don’t let a loose crown steal your confidence. With a quick trip to the pharmacy and a few careful steps, you can walk into tomorrow’s meeting smiling and stress-free. And when the day’s done, your dentist can make it right—for good.