Prompt Treatment When a Dental Crown Falls Out
A dental crown can come loose or fall out unexpectedly while eating, brushing, or flossing. In other cases, the cement holding an older crown may gradually weaken, or decay beneath the restoration may cause it to lose its secure fit. Even if the exposed tooth does not hurt, it is important to have it examined promptly.
Lakeside Dental provides timely care when a crown falls out or becomes loose. Our Folsom emergency dentist will examine the tooth and crown, determine why the restoration came off, and recommend the most appropriate way to protect the tooth and restore comfortable function.
What Should You Do After a Crown Falls Out?
If your crown comes off, save it and contact your dentist as soon as possible. The tooth underneath may be more vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, or additional damage while it is uncovered.
Until you can reach our office:
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Rinse the crown carefully and store it in a clean container.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.
- Stay away from hard, sticky, very hot, or very cold foods.
- Brush gently around the exposed tooth to keep it clean.
- If the tooth is sensitive, an over-the-counter pain reliever may be taken as directed if appropriate for you.
- Bring the crown with you to your dental appointment.
Contact our team now to schedule your urgent dental care visit. In most instances, we offer same-day appointments.
Is a Crown Falling Out a Dental Emergency?
A lost crown does not always cause severe pain, but it should be evaluated by a dentist promptly. A crown normally protects a tooth that has already been weakened, restored, or treated, and leaving that tooth uncovered can increase the possibility of sensitivity, decay, or additional breakage.
Contact our emergency dentist in Folsom promptly if you experience:
- Significant or increasing tooth pain
- Strong sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets, or pressure
- A sharp or damaged portion of the tooth beneath the crown
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- Bleeding from the gums around the affected area
- A bad taste or odor coming from the tooth
- Difficulty chewing or biting normally
- A crown that fell out following an injury to your mouth
Swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant facial trauma may require emergency medical attention.
How Does a Dentist Treat a Crown That Fell Out?
Treatment depends on the condition of both the dental crown and the tooth underneath it. When you visit Lakeside Dental, we will examine the area and may take digital X-rays to check for decay, fractures, infection, or other problems that are not visible during a routine examination.
Depending on what we find, treatment may include:
- Re-cementing the existing crown: If the crown is undamaged and the underlying tooth remains healthy, we may be able to clean the restoration and securely reattach it.
- Replacing the dental crown: A crown that is cracked, worn, distorted, or no longer fits properly may need to be replaced with a new restoration.
- Repairing the underlying tooth: If part of the tooth or its supporting filling material has broken away, the tooth may need to be rebuilt before a crown can be placed.
- Treating tooth decay: Decay beneath a crown must be removed and the tooth restored before placing or replacing the crown.
- Root canal treatment: If decay, a fracture, or infection has reached the dental pulp, root canal treatment may be necessary before the tooth receives a new crown.
- Tooth extraction: When a tooth is fractured or damaged beyond repair, extraction may be necessary. If this occurs, we will discuss appropriate options for replacing the missing tooth.
Whenever possible, our goal is to preserve your natural tooth and provide a durable restoration that allows you to bite and chew comfortably again.
Preventing a Crown From Falling Out Again
Dental crowns are designed to withstand normal biting and chewing, but they can loosen or become damaged over time. A few precautions can help extend the life of your restoration:
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, and other very hard foods.
- Be cautious with sticky foods that can pull on a crown.
- Brush twice daily and floss around your crown every day.
- Schedule regular dental exams so your dentist can check the crown and the tooth beneath it.
- Wear a custom nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth.
- Do not use your teeth to open packages or hold objects.
- Contact your dentist if a crown begins to feel loose or your bite suddenly feels different.
Regular preventive care gives your dentist an opportunity to identify worn dental cement, decay, fractures, or other concerns before the crown comes completely off.
Crown Fell Out FAQs
Why did my dental crown fall out?
A crown can fall out for several reasons. The dental cement holding it in place may weaken over time, sticky foods may pull it loose, or the crown itself may become damaged. Decay beneath the restoration, teeth grinding, or changes to the underlying tooth can also cause a crown to lose its fit. A dental examination is necessary to determine the specific cause.
Can a dentist put the same crown back on?
Sometimes. If the crown is still in good condition and the tooth underneath remains healthy and intact, your dentist may be able to clean and re-cement the existing restoration. If the crown is damaged, does not fit correctly, or the underlying tooth has changed, a new crown may be necessary.
How long can I leave a tooth without a crown?
It is best not to leave the tooth uncovered any longer than necessary. The tooth may be weakened and more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, or fracture without the protection of its crown. Contact a dentist promptly to have the tooth evaluated.
What should I do with the crown that fell out?
Rinse it gently, place it in a clean container, and bring it to your dental appointment. Do not discard it even if it appears damaged. Your dentist in Folsom can determine whether the existing crown can be reused or whether a replacement is needed.
Can I glue my crown back on myself?
Do not use super glue or another household adhesive on a dental crown. These products are not intended for use in your mouth and may damage the tooth or make professional treatment more difficult. Temporary dental cement may sometimes be used briefly if the crown fits easily over the tooth, but it is not a substitute for professional treatment.
Why does my tooth hurt after the crown fell off?
The tooth underneath a crown may contain exposed dentin or other sensitive tooth structure. Pain can also indicate decay, a crack, inflammation, or infection. If you experience significant or persistent pain after losing a crown, contact a dentist in Folsom promptly for an examination.
What if my crown fell out but the tooth does not hurt?
You should still schedule an appointment. A painless tooth can remain vulnerable to decay or fracture once its protective crown is gone. There may also be an underlying problem that cannot be detected without a dental examination or X-rays.
Does dental insurance cover replacing a lost crown?
Dental insurance may cover a portion of crown repair or replacement depending on your plan, the age of the existing restoration, and why treatment is necessary. Lakeside Dental can help you review your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket costs. Financing options may also be available for patients who prefer to spread the cost of dental treatment over time using CareCredit or Cherry.
Emergency Care for a Crown That Fell Out in Folsom
Losing a dental crown can be unsettling, but prompt treatment can protect the exposed tooth and may allow the existing restoration to be saved. Waiting too long can increase the risk of sensitivity, decay, or additional damage to the tooth underneath.
Lakeside Dental offers skilled, compassionate care and same-day availability for dental emergencies. Call our office at (916) 983-8870 when your crown falls out or you need help from a Folsom dentist determining the best way to protect your tooth.
