I’ve worn a temporary crown for the past seven weeks because each one I get will not stay one. I am on the third crown, and this one is loose. I will not approve the crown yet until I get one that stays on. Do I need to let another dentist try? I prefer not to switch dentists in the middle of a crown, but I don’t know how much longer this will go on. I am afraid that these crown attempts will irritate my tooth, and I will need an implant. Thank you. Monte from Amityville, NY

Monte,

Thank you for your question. You are wise not to approve the crown if you have not received one that fits well.

Why Do Temporary Crowns Fall Off?

A temporary crown may fall off for these reasons:

• A dentist over-prepared your tooth
• The impressions of your tooth are not accurate
• The dentist did not cement the crown correctly

Tooth preparation

Aggressive tooth preparation prevents a dental crown from bonding to your tooth. Even the strongest dental cement will not secure the crown without enough tooth structure.

Tooth Impressions

Impression mistakes are common. Skilled dentists look for mistakes and retake the impressions as needed. Many dentists use digital technology to improve accuracy. Some use both manual and digital impressions.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Crown Treatment?

You can switch dentists in the middle of crown treatment. A dental lab will use your temporary crown as a model for the final crown. If the model does not fit well, neither will your ceramic crown.  Look for a dentist with advanced aesthetic training and schedule a consultation. The dentist will examine your tooth and crown and recommend options for a crown that fits well and looks natural. The failed crown attempts should not create a need for tooth removal and an implant.

Dr. Siny Thomas, a cosmetic dentist in Sugar Land, Texas, sponsors this post.