What To Do If A Crown Falls Off?

Dental crowns have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years — or longer. But that does not mean they cannot fall out at any time. It can happen when you least expect it due to several reasons, such as eating chewy, sticky foods or the formation of decay underneath the crown. 

If your dental crown falls off for one reason or another, keep reading to find out what steps to take next. 

Find and Clean Your Crown

Ideally, if your crown falls off, you want to find it and rinse it well. It may be loose within your mouth or easily removed from the tooth itself. Or, it could end up coming out of the mouth and may need to be physically located. 

Once you have it in your hand, examine the crown. Those that are not damaged can often be recemented into place without issue. This is one of the best-case scenarios as it can save you a lot of time and money since you won’t require another custom crown to be created. Therefore, store the crown in a safe place until you can see your dentist. 

Make an Appointment to See Your Dentist

One thing you want to do, whether you have found your crown or not, is to contact your dentist. Explain what has happened and the details of the situation — and then schedule an appointment to be seen as soon as possible. 

Based on your set of circumstances, your dentist’s office will likely give you some personalized direction on what you should or should not do until you can be seen by the dentist. 

Protect the Tooth

Unless you can see your dentist immediately, you will need to take steps to protect your tooth until your appointment. 

It is not uncommon for your tooth under the crown to be sore and tender once it becomes exposed. You can use temporary dental cement to create a temporary cover and provide a shield for the tooth. Dental wax works much the same. Both can be purchased over the counter at your local drugstore. 

Don’t worry — your dentist will be able to easily remove both when it is time for your appointment. 

Avoid chewing on the side where your tooth is and avoid any hard, crunchy, or chewy foods as these could put the natural tooth at risk. Make sure you brush well and keep the area clean. Consider using a mouthwash, too, to keep bacteria and germs at bay. 

What if the Dental Crown Becomes Loose? 

If your dental crown becomes loose but has not fallen out, you will still need to seek help from your dentist. Contact their office as soon as possible to make an appointment to be seen. 

Take precautions until the time of your appointment to prevent any further damage to the crown

By being proactive, you will reduce the chance of your dental crown falling out on its own. 

Learn More About Dental Crowns

At Fairbanks Dental Associates, we are here for you to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have with your dental crown. So, whether it is loose, has fallen off, or anything else, give us a call at 254-778-4402.

Or, simply request an appointment online.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t replace a dental crown that falls out? 

A dental crown is often put in place to restore the integrity of a vulnerable tooth. If you do not replace it, you are putting that tooth at risk.  

Are dental crowns better than dental fillings? 

Dental crowns and dental fillings both work well to protect a natural tooth. They are simply used in different situations. For instance, in cases where a hole is too big for a filling, a dental crown will be used.