What Should I Do If My Temporary Crown Falls Off and I Accidentally Swallow It in My Sleep?
Introduction
Waking up and discovering that your temporary crown has fallen off — and possibly been swallowed during the night — is an unsettling experience that many dental patients have encountered. It is entirely understandable to feel anxious and unsure of what to do next. Because it happens unexpectedly and often without any warning signs, many people immediately turn to the internet for guidance before contacting their dental practice.
A temporary crown falling off is one of the more common concerns raised by patients mid-way through dental treatment. Temporary crowns are intentionally designed as short-term restorations, which makes them more susceptible to dislodgement than permanent ones. When this occurs overnight, you may not immediately know whether you have swallowed it, spat it out, or lost it in your bedding.
This article is designed to walk you through what typically happens in this situation, what your immediate steps should be, when you should seek medical attention, and how your dental team can help. Understanding what to do calmly and promptly can help protect your tooth while you await further treatment.
Featured Snippet: What Should I Do If I Swallow a Temporary Crown in My Sleep?
What should I do if my temporary crown falls off and I accidentally swallow it?
If your temporary crown falls off and you believe you have swallowed it, remain calm — in most cases the crown will pass safely through the digestive system. Contact your dental practice as soon as possible to arrange a replacement temporary crown, as leaving the prepared tooth unprotected can cause sensitivity or damage.
What Is a Temporary Crown and Why Do They Sometimes Fall Off?
A temporary crown — also called a provisional crown — is a short-term dental restoration placed over a prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being custom-made in a dental laboratory. It serves several important purposes: it protects the sensitive prepared tooth structure, maintains the position of surrounding teeth, and allows you to continue eating and speaking comfortably during the waiting period between appointments.
Because temporary crowns are designed to be removed by your dentist at the next appointment, they are fitted with a weaker, provisional dental cement rather than the strong adhesive used for permanent crowns. This is intentional — it allows your dentist to remove the temporary without damaging the underlying tooth.
However, this also means temporary crowns are more vulnerable to dislodgement. They can come off due to:
- Chewing sticky, hard, or chewy foods such as toffees, chewing gum, or crusty bread
- Grinding or clenching teeth during sleep (known as bruxism)
- The natural pressure of sleeping on one side of your face
- A less-than-ideal fit due to the tooth shape or position
- Normal wear over an extended waiting period
Swallowing a temporary crown during sleep is more likely to occur if you grind your teeth at night or if the crown was already partially dislodged before you went to bed.
Is It Dangerous to Swallow a Temporary Crown?
This is the question that worries most patients, and the reassuring answer is that swallowing a temporary dental crown is not generally considered a medical emergency. Temporary crowns are typically made from materials such as composite resin, acrylic, or occasionally a light metal alloy. These are small, smooth, and rounded objects that, in most cases, will pass through the digestive system without causing harm.
The digestive tract is capable of passing small, blunt objects safely. Medical guidance generally indicates that if you are not experiencing any symptoms — such as difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, abdominal pain, or breathing difficulties — the crown is most likely in the stomach and will pass naturally over the following day or two.
When should you seek medical attention?
Whilst swallowing the crown itself is rarely dangerous, you should contact NHS 111 or attend an urgent care centre if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is lodged in your throat
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms could indicate the object has become lodged rather than passed through, and in this case prompt medical assessment would be appropriate.
Immediate Steps to Take After Your Temporary Crown Falls Off
Once you have established that you are not experiencing any medical symptoms, your focus should shift to protecting your tooth and contacting your dental practice. Here is a straightforward, step-by-step guide:
1. Check for the Crown First
Before assuming you have swallowed it, check your bedding, pillowcase, and around your sleeping area. Temporary crowns are small, tooth-coloured, and can be easily missed. If you find it intact, clean it gently with water — do not scrub it — and store it safely.
2. Assess How Your Tooth Feels
The prepared tooth underneath the temporary crown will likely be more sensitive than usual. It may feel sharp, rough, or tender to temperature changes. This is normal and expected — the prepared tooth has less protective structure than an intact natural tooth.
3. Avoid Eating on That Side
Until you have seen your dentist, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid placing pressure or temperature extremes on the exposed tooth.
4. Contact Your Dental Practice Promptly
Call your dental practice as soon as possible to explain what has happened. Most practices will prioritise this as an urgent appointment given that a prepared tooth has been left exposed.
5. Use Temporary Dental Cement (If Needed)
Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement (such as Dentemp or Toofypegs) that can be used as a short-term measure to reattach the crown if you have found it, or to provide some protection to the tooth surface. Always follow the product instructions carefully, and never use superglue or household adhesives on your teeth.
Why Protecting the Exposed Prepared Tooth Matters
Understanding a little about tooth anatomy helps explain why replacing or protecting your temporary crown promptly is clinically important.
When your dentist prepares a tooth for a crown, a significant amount of the outer enamel — the hardest layer of the tooth — is carefully removed to create space for the crown to sit naturally within your bite. What remains is a layer called dentine, which lies beneath the enamel and is far more porous and sensitive.
Dentine contains tiny microscopic channels called dentinal tubules that connect to the inner pulp of the tooth — the living tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. When dentine is exposed, these tubules are open to the external environment. This is why a prepared tooth without its temporary crown often feels:
- Sensitive to hot and cold drinks or food
- Sensitive to sweet or acidic foods
- Tender to direct pressure
- Slightly sharp or rough to the tongue
Beyond sensitivity, prolonged exposure of the prepared tooth can also allow bacteria to enter the dentine, potentially increasing the risk of infection or decay. Adjacent teeth may also begin to shift slightly into the gap over time, which could affect the fit of your permanent crown.
For these reasons, having your temporary crown replaced or your permanent crown fitted as soon as possible is clinically advisable. You can learn more about the full dental crown treatment process to understand what is involved at each stage.
When Professional Dental Assessment May Be Appropriate
In most cases, a dislodged temporary crown is not a dental emergency, but it does require timely professional attention. Below are situations in which contacting your dentist sooner rather than later would be advisable:
Significant Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
If the exposed tooth is causing you considerable discomfort, your dentist can apply a protective dressing or a new temporary crown to reduce sensitivity and protect the tooth until your permanent restoration is ready.
Signs of Infection
If you notice swelling in the gum surrounding the affected tooth, a bad taste in your mouth, or a dull throbbing ache that persists, these may be signs requiring clinical assessment. A dental professional will be able to evaluate whether the tooth or surrounding tissue requires treatment.
Crown Lost for More Than 24–48 Hours
The longer a prepared tooth is left unprotected, the greater the risk of sensitivity, bacterial ingress, and possible shifting of adjacent teeth. If you are unable to see your regular dental practice within a reasonable timeframe, contacting an emergency dental service is a reasonable option.
Crown Cannot Be Reattached or Has Been Damaged
If the temporary crown you have found is cracked, broken, or distorted, do not attempt to force it back onto the tooth. Your dentist will need to create a new one.
You Are Close to Your Permanent Crown Fitting
If your next appointment for the permanent crown is very soon, your dentist may advise you on the safest course of action depending on how many days remain.
What Your Dentist Will Do When You Attend
When you attend your dental practice following a lost temporary crown, your dentist will typically:
- Examine the prepared tooth to assess whether it has suffered any damage, decay, or sensitivity since the crown came off
- Clean and dry the tooth surface carefully
- Refit the original temporary crown if it has been found intact, using new temporary cement
- Fabricate a new temporary crown if the original is lost, swallowed, or damaged
- Check your bite and comfort to ensure the new temporary crown sits correctly
- Advise you on care until your permanent crown is fitted
In some cases, if your permanent crown is nearly ready, your dentist may arrange for it to be fitted at this appointment rather than fitting another temporary. This will depend on the clinical circumstances at the time.
If you have been experiencing dental anxiety around this situation, it may be worth discussing this with your practice. Many clinics, including specialist dental practices in London, offer supportive options to help patients feel at ease during treatment. Explore how patient-centred dental care can make the process more comfortable for you.
Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Your Temporary Crown Falling Off
Whilst it is not always possible to prevent a temporary crown from dislodging — particularly during sleep — there are several practical steps that can reduce the likelihood:
Be Mindful of What You Eat
During the period you are wearing a temporary crown, try to avoid:
- Sticky foods such as chewing gum, toffees, and dried fruit
- Hard foods such as nuts, hard bread crusts, and raw carrots
- Chewy foods like bagels or tough meats
Opting for softer foods and cutting food into smaller pieces reduces the mechanical stress placed on the temporary crown.
Chew on the Opposite Side Where Possible
If you can consciously avoid chewing on the side with the temporary crown, you reduce the risk of it being dislodged during meals.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene — Carefully
Continue to brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the temporary crown. Avoid flossing in a way that pulls upwards directly on the crown, as this can pull it away from the tooth. Slide floss gently out from the side rather than snapping it upwards.
Consider a Nightguard If You Grind Your Teeth
If you are aware that you grind or clench your teeth during sleep — a condition known as bruxism — speak to your dentist about a custom nightguard. This protective device sits over the teeth during sleep and can reduce the pressure placed on restorations such as temporary crowns. Understanding the impact of teeth grinding on dental restorations may help you take preventative steps.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments Promptly
The longer a temporary crown remains in place beyond its intended timeframe, the greater the risk of it failing. Attending your permanent crown fitting appointment on schedule reduces this risk considerably.
Key Points to Remember
- Swallowing a temporary crown is not usually dangerous. In most cases, it will pass safely through the digestive system without medical intervention.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties after swallowing a dental crown.
- Contact your dental practice promptly to arrange a replacement temporary crown or to bring forward your permanent crown fitting.
- Avoid eating on the exposed tooth side and protect the area until you have been seen by your dentist.
- Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can be used as a short-term measure while waiting for your dental appointment.
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common cause of temporary crowns dislodging overnight — speak to your dentist if this may apply to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will swallowing a temporary crown harm me?
In most cases, no. Temporary crowns are small, smooth objects that typically pass safely through the digestive system. However, if you experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties, seek medical attention promptly as these symptoms may indicate the object has become lodged.
How long can I leave a prepared tooth without a temporary crown?
Ideally, a prepared tooth should not be left unprotected for more than a day or two. Extended exposure can increase sensitivity, allow bacteria to reach the dentine, and in some cases cause adjacent teeth to shift slightly, which may affect the fit of your permanent crown.
Can I use dental glue from the pharmacy to reattach my temporary crown?
Temporary dental cement products available from pharmacies, such as Dentemp, can provide a short-term fix. They are safe and straightforward to use. However, do not use superglue or household adhesives on your teeth, and always follow up with your dental practice as soon as possible.
What if I cannot find the temporary crown — is it definitely in my stomach?
Not necessarily. Temporary crowns are small and can easily end up in your bedding, on the floor, or elsewhere nearby. Check your surroundings thoroughly before assuming you have swallowed it. If you do not find it and are not experiencing any symptoms, it is most likely safe to wait and contact your dentist in the morning.
Will I need to pay for a replacement temporary crown?
This varies between dental practices. Many practices include temporary crown replacements as part of the overall crown treatment package, whilst others may charge a small additional fee. It is worth contacting your practice directly to clarify this before your appointment.
Can a temporary crown falling off damage my tooth permanently?
In most cases, no permanent damage occurs from a temporary crown falling off, particularly if it is addressed promptly. However, leaving a prepared tooth exposed for a prolonged period can increase the risk of sensitivity, bacterial ingress, or in rare cases pulp irritation, which is why timely dental attention is recommended.
Conclusion
Discovering that your temporary crown has fallen off during the night — and that you may have swallowed it — is an understandably worrying experience. However, in the vast majority of cases, swallowing a temporary crown does not pose a significant medical risk, and the situation can be managed calmly and effectively with the right steps.
The most important priorities are to rule out any symptoms that might suggest the crown has become lodged (such as difficulty swallowing or chest pain), to protect the exposed prepared tooth in the short term, and to contact your dental practice promptly to arrange a replacement or to bring forward your permanent crown fitting.
Temporary crowns serve a vital protective role during the crown process, and ensuring the prepared tooth remains covered and cared for until your permanent restoration is fitted helps support a good outcome for your treatment.
Dental symptoms and treatment options vary between individuals and should always be assessed by a qualified dental professional during a clinical examination. The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised clinical advice.
If you have concerns about a dislodged temporary crown or any aspect of your dental treatment, do not hesitate to contact your dental practice directly. Early professional guidance is always the most reliable course of action.
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Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual conditions vary — please consult a qualified dental professional for personalised guidance. In a dental emergency, seek immediate professional care.