What Happens If Your Temporary Crown Breaks

**What Happens If Your Temporary Crown Breaks**

If you’ve recently had dental work done, you might be familiar with the term “temporary crown.” It’s a short-term solution placed over your tooth to protect it until your permanent crown is ready. In Thailand, where dental tourism and local dental care are both popular, temporary crowns are common in clinics from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But what if your temporary crown breaks before your next appointment? Here’s what you need to know—without the unnecessary panic.

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### Understanding the Role of a Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is usually made from acrylic or composite materials. Dentists use it to cover a tooth that has been prepared for a permanent crown, especially after root canal treatment, large fillings, or cosmetic reshaping. It helps maintain the tooth’s position, protects sensitive areas, and allows you to chew without discomfort.

It’s important to note that temporary crowns aren’t as strong as permanent ones. They are designed to last a short period—usually a few days to a few weeks—so their durability is limited.

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### Common Reasons Temporary Crowns Break

Even when dentists in Thailand give clear instructions, sometimes life gets in the way. Here are a few reasons temporary crowns can break:

1. **Biting into hard foods** – Eating crispy pork crackling, sticky rice snacks, or crunchy nuts can put too much pressure on the crown.

2. **Teeth grinding** – Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, which can wear down temporary dental materials quickly.

3. **Accidental trauma** – A knock from sports or even an unexpected slip while eating can lead to fractures.

4. **Material limitations** – Temporary crowns are softer than permanent ones, so natural wear and tear can occur.

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### What Happens If It Breaks?

If your temporary crown cracks, chips, or completely falls out, a few things can happen:

- **Exposed tooth sensitivity** – Without the crown, the prepared tooth underneath might feel sensitive to hot, cold, or even air.

- **Food impaction** – Food particles can lodge around the exposed tooth structure, increasing the risk of decay or gum irritation.

- **Tooth movement** – Teeth can slightly shift, which may affect how well the permanent crown fits later.

- **Discomfort while chewing** – You may find it harder to use that side of your mouth, which affects daily eating habits.

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### Immediate Steps to Take

If you’re in Thailand and your temporary crown breaks, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. Here’s what you should do:

1. **Check the damage** – Look in a mirror to see if the crown is partially attached or completely missing.

2. **Save the pieces** – If possible, keep the broken crown or fragments. Sometimes, your

dentist can reattach it as a short-term solution.

3. **Contact your clinic promptly** – Many clinics, whether in Bangkok or Phuket, offer quick appointment slots for dental emergencies.

4. **Avoid chewing on that side** – This reduces sensitivity and the risk of further damage.

5. **Maintain oral hygiene** – Brush gently around the affected tooth, and rinse with salt water to prevent infection.

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### Can You Still Eat Normally?

If the damage is minor, you might still be able to eat soft foods like boiled rice, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish—foods commonly found in Thai home kitchens. Avoid sticky sweets and hard snacks because they can worsen the break and cause pain.

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### Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

In Thailand, it’s relatively easy to book a dental appointment, even on short notice. Ignoring a broken temporary crown, however, can lead to larger issues:

- Increased risk of cavities in the exposed tooth

- Discomfort that affects daily speech and eating

- Misalignment when you finally get your permanent crown

- Possible gum inflammation

Prompt attention saves you from extra dental costs and discomfort.

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### Repair or Replace?

Depending on the condition of the broken temporary crown, your dentist may:

- **Smooth the rough edges** if it’s just a small chip

- **Reattach or re-cement** the crown if it’s still intact

- **Make a new temporary crown** if the damage is beyond repair

These procedures are usually quick, often completed in under an hour, and do not require complex preparation.

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### Preventing Future Breaks

While you can’t always avoid accidents, following some simple tips reduces your risk:

- Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods—think twice before grabbing that crunchy fried chicken wing.

- Use a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth.

- Follow your dentist’s after-care instructions strictly.

- Schedule your permanent crown appointment as soon as possible.

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### The Bottom Line

Breaking a temporary crown is inconvenient, but it’s not the end of the world. In Thailand, dental care is generally accessible and dentists are experienced in handling such emergencies. The most important step is to act quickly—protect the area, contact your dentist, and follow professional advice.

Your temporary crown’s job is to safeguard your tooth until the final restoration is ready. When you treat it gently and seek help promptly if it breaks, you ensure a smooth transition to your permanent crown and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

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If you’re careful about what you eat and stay mindful of your dental habits, your temporary crown should last until it’s time for the permanent one. And in case it does break, now you know exactly what to do—without unnecessary stress.