I’m so angry I don’t know what to do. I had a temporary crown on my front tooth and it just fell off. I called my dentist first thing and he said he can’t see me until this afternoon. What the heck? I have a nub for a tooth. Why can’t he see me first thing? Isn’t this a dental emergency?

Sunny

Dear Sunny,

First, take a deep breath. I know you are frustrated and what you have going on is important. That is why your dentist is fitting you in the same day. It isn’t uncommon for a temporary crown to have a problem. They’re meant to be easily removable. However, one falling off isn’t considered a dental emergency.

Your dentist was smart to get you in that day instead of waiting for the next regular appointment or until your permanent porcelain crown was ready. If he’d left it a few days, your adjacent teeth could have shifted in the empty space. Then when he tried to put the crown in, it would no longer fit.

Your dentist is looking out for you by seeing you the same day. I know it is a cosmetic inconvenience and I’m sure it makes it even more awkward being a front tooth.

If you absolutely can’t wait, you could try to call around to some other local dentists to see if they’re having a slow day. They may be able to bond it back on for you. Otherwise, you may have to just wait for the afternoon. Look at it as a chance to hide out at home and catch up on a show you’ve been meaning to watch or maybe read a good book.

Before you know it, you’ll be back to smiling with your temporary crown back firmly in place. Be easy on it until the permanent one comes in.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.