A dental crown is designed to protect and restore a damaged or weakened tooth. But sometimes, a crown can become loose or fall out while eating, brushing, or even unexpectedly. Although this can be worrying, a fallen crown does not always mean that the tooth is permanently damaged.
The important thing is to protect the exposed tooth and arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible. A dentist can check whether the crown can be cleaned and cemented back into place or whether a new crown is needed.
What Should You Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out?
If your crown falls out, follow these steps:
1. Find and save the crown
Look for the crown and keep it safely in a clean container or small plastic bag. Do not throw it away. If the crown is still intact and the tooth underneath is in good condition, your dentist may be able to reuse it.
If the crown has cracked or broken, keep all the pieces and take them to your dentist.
2. Rinse your mouth gently
Rinse your mouth with clean water to remove any food particles around the exposed tooth. Brush gently around the area, but avoid putting excessive pressure on the tooth.
Keeping the area clean is important because the tooth may be more sensitive and vulnerable after the crown comes off.
3. Protect the exposed tooth
Without the crown, the prepared tooth may become sensitive to cold, hot, sweet or acidic foods and drinks.
Until you see your dentist:
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Choose softer foods if the tooth is sensitive.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks if they trigger discomfort.
- Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the affected tooth.
4. Contact your dentist
Make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Even if you do not have pain, the exposed tooth should be examined.
Your dentist will check the tooth, gums and crown to determine why the crown came off and what treatment is appropriate. Depending on the condition, the original crown may be recemented or a replacement may be recommended.
Can You Put a Dental Crown Back Yourself?
Sometimes a crown may appear to fit back over the tooth, but you should not force it into place.
If your dentist has specifically advised you to temporarily put the crown back, an over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive may sometimes be used as a temporary measure. However, this does not replace professional treatment.
Most importantly, never use super glue or household adhesive to attach a dental crown. These products are not designed for use inside the mouth and can damage the tooth or surrounding tissues.
Why Does a Dental Crown Fall Out?
There can be several reasons why a crown becomes loose or falls out. Common causes include:
- The dental cement has weakened over time.
- The crown no longer fits properly.
- Decay has developed underneath the crown.
- The underlying tooth has fractured or become weakened.
- The crown has been damaged or worn.
- Excessive biting pressure or teeth grinding may have contributed to loosening.
- Sticky or hard foods may sometimes dislodge a weakened crown.
A dental crown can generally last for several years, but its lifespan varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, biting forces, the condition of the underlying tooth and the type of crown used.
What Happens When You Visit the Dentist?
When you visit the dentist after a crown falls out, the first step is usually an examination of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Your dentist may check:
- Whether the underlying tooth is intact.
- Whether there is decay or damage underneath the crown.
- Whether the crown still fits correctly.
- Whether the gums around the tooth are healthy.
- Whether the tooth needs additional treatment before a crown can be placed again.
If the crown is in good condition and the tooth underneath is healthy, it may sometimes be cleaned and recemented.
If the crown is damaged or the tooth has changed significantly, a new crown may be required. In some cases, additional dental treatment may be needed before replacing the crown.
Is a Crown Falling Out a Dental Emergency?
A crown that falls out is not always a medical emergency, particularly if there is no significant pain, swelling or injury. However, it should not be ignored.
Contact your dentist promptly, especially if you notice:
- Severe or increasing tooth pain
- Significant sensitivity
- Swelling around the tooth or face
- Bleeding that does not stop
- A broken or fractured tooth
- A sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek
- Signs of infection, such as swelling or a bad taste
Severe pain, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or a significant facial injury may require urgent dental or emergency care.
What Should You Avoid After a Crown Falls Out?
Until you can see your dentist, avoid anything that could further damage the exposed tooth.
Do not:
- Use super glue or household glue.
- Bite hard foods with the affected tooth.
- Eat very sticky foods such as caramel or toffee.
- Ignore persistent pain or swelling.
- Try to force a crown into place if it does not fit easily.
- Throw away the fallen crown.
Taking these precautions can help protect the tooth while you wait for professional treatment.
Can a Fallen Crown Be Reused?
Yes, in some cases. If the crown is intact and the underlying tooth has not developed significant damage or decay, your dentist may be able to clean and recement the same crown.
However, this cannot be determined simply by looking at the crown. The tooth underneath also needs to be examined. If the crown is damaged or the tooth no longer provides adequate support, a replacement may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do immediately if my dental crown falls out?
Find the crown, keep it in a clean container, gently rinse your mouth and avoid chewing on the affected side. Contact your dentist and arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
2. Can I eat if my crown has fallen out?
Yes, but try to eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side. Avoid hard, sticky, very hot or very cold foods if the exposed tooth is sensitive.
3. Can I sleep with a crown that has fallen out?
You can generally sleep without the crown if it has fallen out, but protect the exposed tooth and avoid chewing on it. Contact your dentist promptly for advice and treatment.
Get Your Fallen Dental Crown Checked
If your dental crown has fallen out, getting it checked promptly can help determine whether the original crown can be restored or whether another treatment is needed.
At Teeth Empire Dental Clinic in Kharadi, Pune, Dr. Prithvi Bonde, BDS, MDS (Prosthodontist and Implantologist), with 11+ years of experience, provides dental care including restorative and prosthodontic treatments.
The clinic is located at Zen Square, Kharadi, 1st Floor, Office No. 106, Panchshil Towers Road, opposite EON Free Zone Phase 2, Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411014.
For an appointment, call 89994 21629 or click here to WhatsApp us.
If your crown has fallen out, don’t try to fix it permanently at home. Save the crown, protect the exposed tooth and let a dentist assess the situation.