Introduction
If you’ve ever cracked a tooth, your dentist might have recommended a crown, which acts as a cap for a damaged tooth. Unlike a veneer that only covers the front of a tooth, a dental crown usually covers most or all of the tooth. Its main purpose is to support a weak tooth or damaged tooth.
Depending on the material of the crown, it can last for a number of years, but sometimes the crown can become loose or even fall out before it’s due to be replaced. If your crown gets dislodged or falls out, it’s important to know how to handle the situation properly.
What to Do if Your Crown Fell Out
If you feel something strange and lumpy in your mouth while biting, it might be that your crown has become dislodged and is floating around in your mouth. The first thing you should do is retrieve the crown carefully. Once you have it, take it to your dentist.
They might be able to clean it and fit it back into your mouth. Make sure to call your dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. They’ll either replace the crown with a new one or give you special instructions to follow until your appointment.
In some cases, your dentist may suggest reinserting the crown yourself. If you’re comfortable doing so, gently clean the inside of the crown with toothpaste first. You can then use dental adhesive, toothpaste, or even sugar-free gum to temporarily glue the crown back into its spot on your jawline. If needed, you can also buy temporary dental cement at a pharmacy or grocery store. Until you get a new crown, try to avoid chewing on the crown and stick to soft foods and liquids.
What not to do if your crown fell out
If your crown falls out and becomes loose, the most important thing is to not swallow it! Once it is out of your mouth, be sure to find the crown and hold on to it carefully. Avoid rushing or panicking, as keeping the crown safe will allow you to bring it to the dentist for further care.
Here are some other important steps to take while you’re missing a crown in your mouth:
- Refrain from consuming sticky, hard foods or those that require a lot of chewing.
- It’s best to avoid chewing food on the affected side of your mouth.
- Please brush your teeth gently.
What if a Temporary Crown Fell Out?
If your temporary crown falls out, it’s important to be careful, as it’s typically installed with temporary cement. First, tell your dentist right away and ask for instructions. While waiting for your appointment, follow the same basic protocol you would if a permanent crown came out.
Avoid hard foods, chewy foods, and sticky foods to protect the temporary crown. Remember, the temporary crown is just a placeholder for the permanent crown that will eventually be installed, and it may stay in place for a couple of weeks.
Treating Teeth After a Crown Falls Out
If your crown becomes dislodged, the first step is to see a dentist who will evaluate both the site of the crown and the integrity of the tooth underneath. Depending on the status of the tooth, the dentist will decide whether to reinstall the existing crown or create a new crown. Research suggests that it might be possible to reuse an existing crown, even if your tooth is fractured underneath, although some work may be needed before it can be reinstalled.
If the tooth is broken or damaged, the dentist will need to prepare the tooth, which could involve filing or adding filling material to build it up. In some cases, a temporary crown will be placed until a new crown can be made. If you opt for same-day crowns made of strong ceramic material like CEREC, you may be able to forego the temporary crown.
Why Do Dental Crowns Come Loose?
Dental crowns can become loose for a few reasons. One common cause is tooth decay under the crown, where bacteria can break down the cement, especially if it gets worn or washed away. As the decay spreads, it can affect how the crown fits, making it loose and more prone to falling out. In some cases, there might just not be enough tooth left to hold the crown firmly in place.
Additional factors that can lead to loose crowns may include:
- A crown that is not properly fitted.
- Insufficient cement to securely hold the crown in place.
- Sticky foods that can dislodge a crown.
- Clenching or grinding your teeth.
- A severely weakened tooth.
At times, a crown may become partially dislodged. If it is hanging precariously on one side, it may be a good idea to go ahead and remove the crown.
Can You Prevent a Crown from Falling Out?
If your crown wasn’t properly fitted or the cement has weakened, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it from falling out. However, being proactive with care can help reduce the chances of the crown becoming loose in the future. Regular check-ups and being mindful of any discomfort in your mouth can help keep your crown secure for a longer period.
A few steps suggested by the Academy of General Dentistry include:
- Don’t chew ice
- Avoid or be very careful eating very sticky or chewy foods
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss regularly
- Use an interdental brush (a wider brush that goes in between teeth like floss) to remove any plaque from the area where your gum meets the tooth and crown
If you grind your teeth at night, a dentist may suggest wearing a mouthguard to protect both your crown and the rest of your teeth.
Takeaway
If you lose a crown, you’re not the first or the last person to do so. The important thing is to call a dentist and schedule an appointment to get the crown refitted or replaced. In the meantime, be sure to hold onto the crown and be easy on your mouth when eating.