What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out

A dental crown is designed to protect and restore a damaged tooth but sometimes, despite the best care, it can come loose or even fall out. This can be alarming, especially if it happens suddenly while eating or brushing. The good news? A dislodged crown is not necessarily a dental emergency, but it does require prompt attention to prevent further damage.

At Isaac Menasha, DDS, we’ve helped many patients in similar situations restore their crowns quickly and comfortably. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if your dental crown falls out, why it happens, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and function. It is often used after procedures like root canals, large fillings, or fractures. Crowns can be made from materials such as porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, or metal alloys — each offering durability and aesthetic appeal.

Although dental crowns are designed to be long-lasting, they aren’t indestructible. Wear and tear, decay, or bonding issues can sometimes lead to loosening or dislodgement.

Common Reasons Why a Dental Crown Falls Out

There are several factors that can cause a crown to come loose or fall out:

1. Tooth Decay Beneath the Crown
   If bacteria manage to seep under the crown and decay forms, it can weaken the bond between the crown and the tooth structure, causing it to detach.
   
2. Cement Failure
   Dental crowns are attached using a special dental adhesive. Over time, this cement can deteriorate, causing it to loosen.
   
3. Sticky or Hard Foods
   Chewing on sticky candies, nuts, or hard foods can put excess pressure on the crown, causing it to pop off.
   
4. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
   Constant grinding or clenching puts stress on dental restorations, potentially loosening them.
   
5. Wear and Tear
   Crowns can last many years, but natural aging or heavy bite force may eventually cause them to loosen.

What to Do Immediately If Your Crown Falls Out

If your dental crown falls out, don’t panic — but take immediate steps to protect your tooth until you can see your dentist.

1. Retrieve the Crown

Find the crown as soon as possible. Avoid touching the inner surface that bonds to the tooth to prevent contamination or damage. Place it in a clean, safe container.

2. Rinse the Area Gently

Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris. Be gentle and avoid using mouthwash with alcohol, as it may irritate exposed tooth tissue.

3. Inspect the Tooth

Look at the exposed tooth. If it appears jagged or painful, avoid chewing on that side. The exposed tooth may be sensitive to temperature or pressure, especially if the nerve is still alive.

4. Use Temporary Dental Cement (If Necessary)

Over-the-counter dental repair kits available at pharmacies can temporarily reattach the crown. However, this is not a permanent fix — only a dentist can properly clean, evaluate, and re-cement it safely.

5. Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods

Until you see your dentist, stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side to prevent further irritation or damage.

What Your Dentist Will Do

When you visit Isaac Menasha, DDS, Dr. Menasha will carefully assess the situation to determine the best solution. The next steps typically include:

6. Examining the Crown and Tooth
   The dentist will check whether the crown and underlying tooth are still intact. If there’s no damage, the crown may simply need to be cleaned and re-cemented.
   
7. Checking for Decay or Fracture
   If the tooth has decayed or fractured beneath the crown, treatment such as a filling, root canal, or a new crown may be necessary.
   
8. Re-Cementing or Replacing the Crown
   If the crown is undamaged and fits well, it can often be reattached. If it’s broken or no longer fits properly, a new custom crown will be fabricated.
   
9. Evaluating Bite and Fit
   Dr. Menasha will ensure your bite is properly aligned to reduce future stress on the crown.

What NOT to Do When Your Crown Falls Out

• Don’t use household glue or superglue — these contain toxic substances and can damage the tooth and crown.
• Don’t ignore the issue. Leaving the tooth exposed can cause sensitivity, infection, or even shifting of nearby teeth.
• Don’t continue eating normally. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods until the issue is resolved.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

While a fallen crown doesn’t always require emergency treatment, certain situations need prompt attention:

• Severe pain or sensitivity
• Visible cracks or sharp edges on the tooth
• Swelling or signs of infection
• Loss of a temporary crown during ongoing treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Isaac Menasha, DDS right away for professional assistance.

Tips to Prevent Future Crown Problems

You can minimize the chances of your crown falling out by following these preventive tips:

17. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
    Brush twice daily and floss gently around the crown to prevent decay and gum issues.
    
18. Avoid Chewing on Hard or Sticky Foods
    Hard candies, ice, and sticky sweets can loosen crowns over time.
    
19. Wear a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth
    Bruxism can weaken both natural teeth and restorations. A custom night guard can protect your smile.
    
20. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
    Routine visits allow your dentist to monitor the integrity of your crowns and catch early signs of wear or decay.
    
21. Address Bite Issues Early
    If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable, seek an adjustment promptly to prevent stress on your crown.

When to Replace an Old Crown

Most crowns last between 10 to 15 years, depending on the material and care. You may need a replacement of crown if you notice:

• Pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth
• A loose or wobbly crown
• Visible wear or cracks
• Receding gums around the area

At Isaac Menasha, DDS, we use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure your crowns fit perfectly, look natural, and last for years.

Conclusion

A lost dental crown can be inconvenient, but it’s a fixable issue, especially when you act quickly and visit a trusted dental professional. Protect the exposed tooth, avoid home remedies, and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible to prevent complications.

If your dental crown has fallen out or feels loose, contact Dr. Isaac Menasha, DDS, for prompt and expert care. Our experienced team will restore your smile’s function, comfort, and appearance ensuring your crown fits securely and lasts for years to come.

Call Isaac Menasha, DDS, today to schedule your dental crown consultation and restore your confident smile!