Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes
When a dental crown falls off, it can occur due to a few reasons. Often, it’s just because the dental cement has not completely bonded to the tooth or crown, or the cement has broken down over time.
Other times, it can be due to chewing forces, diet, bruxism, or a cavity forming on the tooth structure underneath the crown. Normally, it’s a quick fix and not a true dental emergency.
In this blog, we explain what you should do if your dental crown falls out, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Table of Contents
- What to Do When a Crown Falls Off Your Tooth
- Why Did My Crown Fall Off?
- How to Care For and Maintain Your Dental Crown
- Need a Crown Repair in Greeley?
Key Takeaway
If your dental crown has fallen out, put it in a safe place where you won’t lose it, throw it out or accidentally step on it. Contact your dentist and let them know what happened. They will likely get you in for a quick appointment to evaluate the tooth and crown, and if everything looks good, to cement it back on. If your crown fell out and is broken, you will need to get a new crown fitted..
What to Do When a Crown Falls Off Your Tooth
It might look (and feel) unsettling, but a lost crown is usually more inconvenient than serious. The key is knowing what to do in the moment so things don’t get worse.
Step 1: Find It and Save It
If you can, locate the crown and give it a rinse with warm water. Place it into a clean container or sandwich bag. There’s a chance it can be re-cemented—especially if it’s still in good shape and the tooth underneath looks okay.
Bonus points if you avoid chewing on that side until you see your dentist.
Step 2: Check Your Tooth (But Don’t Poke Around)
Take a quick peek. Is it sensitive? Sharp? If it’s bugging your tongue or cheek, dental wax from the drugstore can cover any rough or sharp spots. But don’t try to glue the crown back yourself.
Non-dental glues and cements use chemicals that are toxic when ingested or caustic to oral tissues, causing bigger problems than a missing crown. If superglue is used to replace your crown, it may compromise the possibility of re-using the crown or may cause damage to the remaining tooth structure.
If you’re in a pinch, an over-the-counter temporary dental cement might hold you over—but it’s just a temporary fix. You still need a dentist to evaluate the tooth and crown, and use the proper materials to replace the crown.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist
Dentists usually leave room in their schedule for incidents like this. If you’ve had your crown placed at our office, or if you don’t have a dental home, we will do our best to get you in as soon as possible.
At your appointment, we will:
- Examine the tooth
- Check the crown
- Decide if it can be re-cemented or if we need to make a new one
If you need a new crown, we have CEREC technology that allows us to design and place a permanent ceramic crown in just one visit. No temps. No second appointment.
Okay, so you know how to deal with the situation, but why did it fall off in the first place?
Why Did My Crown Fall Off?
Most of the time, it’s because of normal wear and tear. Here are the usual suspects:
- Old dental cement: Like everything else, it wears out eventually.
- Tooth decay underneath: A sneaky cavity can loosen the crown’s grip.
- Bite pressure: Clenching, grinding, or even one rogue popcorn kernel can do the trick.
- Sticky foods or candy: Gum, taffy, caramels, and similar foods can become adhered to the crown and pull it off while chewing.
- Not enough tooth left: If the tooth under the crown is too small or damaged, it may not hold as well. If this is the case, it may be possible to build up the tooth so that the tooth can hold the crown. If that isn’t possible, we may recommend removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant.
How to Care For and Maintain Your Dental Crown
Once your crown is back where it belongs, a few daily habits can help it stay in place for the long haul:
- Brush and floss every day to keep the area around the crown clean and free of plaque.
- Use an interdental brush to reach tight spots your toothbrush might miss.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping. Crowns do not hold up well under that kind of pressure.
- Stick to your regular dental checkups. We can catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
- Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods like ice, hard candies, or taffy, which can damage the crown or loosen it over time.
With the right care, your dental crown can stay strong and secure for years to come.
Need a Crown Repair in Greeley?
We’re here to help. Whether your crown needs to be re-cemented or replaced, Clearwater Dentistry offers fast, reliable solutions.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
