I had a root canal and temporary filling done. I’m supposed to go in for the crown on Wednesday, but it seems my tooth has crumbled. I was eating and suddenly I felt bits of tooth in my food.  My dentist warned me I wouldn’t be able to put off getting the crown, but this is sooner than expected. Do I need to see an emergency dentist?

Barth – New Mexico

Barth,

Of course, I can’t tell you with certainty without seeing you, but I suspect it isn’t your tooth crumbling, but the temporary filling coming out. Look in the tooth. Is there a hole in the center? That’s where your filling should be.

If that is the case, you won’t need an . Instead, you can just get some store bought tooth filling to tide you over until your appointment on Wednesday. It’s meant for situations specifically like yours.

However, if you look back there and the tooth is gone, then yes, you’ve got a problem. Call your dentist. They likely have a protocol for situations like these and may have you come in early.

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