I was flossing my teeth and my temporary crown broke. My dentist has an emergency line. I called him and told him what happened. I wanted to come in right then,, but he said to come in the morning and he’d try to work me in. Why doesn’t he consider it an emergency?

Katie S.

Dear Katie,

If you had some other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or a fever then it would be a true dental emergency. I wouldn’t be too upset at your dentist. He is having you come in first thing in the morning. They’ll make you a priority. They do understand how important it is and will place a new temporary.

It’s not uncommon for a temporary crown to break. They aren’t as strong as their permanent replacements. Now, if your dentist would have said see you in a week, then I would have said he’s being neglectful. Seeing you first thing in the morning sounds like he cares.

I know you’re worried. It’s scary being the patient and having something not go according to plan. But, just sleeping overnight won’t damage the natural tooth which is there. Your dentist wouldn’t put you at risk.

Just don’t take any unnecessary risks like eating on the damaged tooth.

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