A dental crown is a prosthetic cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. While designed to be durable, the specialized cement holding the crown can sometimes fail, causing it to loosen. Attempting to remove a crown at home should only be considered as a temporary, last-resort measure when the crown is already loose and posing a risk, such as being swallowed or causing significant pain. This situation must be treated as a dental emergency requiring immediate attention from a professional.
Recognizing When Temporary Removal is Necessary
A crown typically becomes loose due to the gradual breakdown of the dental cement over time, often accelerated by chewing forces. Underlying tooth decay or trauma can also compromise the remaining tooth structure, leading to detachment. Before considering removal, confirm the crown is genuinely loose, meaning it shifts significantly with minimal pressure or causes a noticeable change in bite.
Only crowns that are clearly mobile, causing acute discomfort, or posing a perceived choking hazard are candidates for temporary at-home removal. If the loose crown is causing sharp pain by irritating the gum or cheek tissue, removal may be necessary to prevent soft tissue damage. A crown that feels secure, even if slightly bothersome, must remain in place until a dentist can examine it.
Methods for Temporary Crown Removal
Thorough hygiene is the first step, involving washing hands and rinsing the mouth with warm water to clear debris. For an already loose crown, one of the gentlest techniques involves using dental floss. Carefully thread the floss under the crown’s edge and gently loop it around the tooth, then pull the floss sideways rather than directly upward. This technique aims to break the remaining cement seal without applying excessive force.
Another common method employs a sticky substance, such as sugar-free chewing gum or a soft caramel candy. By gently chewing the sticky material on the side of the loose crown, the adhesive substance can adhere to the crown’s surface. As you slowly open your mouth, the sticky material may pull the crown free with minimal stress. If these methods fail, a very gentle, slow wiggling motion with clean fingers can be attempted, but any sharp pain is a signal to stop immediately.
Immediate Post-Removal Care and Professional Follow-Up
Once the crown is successfully removed, both the crown and the underlying tooth surface need immediate attention. The crown should be cleaned gently with water and stored safely in a small, rigid container to protect its structure until you can take it to the dentist. The exposed tooth underneath may feel highly sensitive to temperature changes or appear smaller and sharper than the surrounding teeth.
Temporary Protection
To manage sensitivity and protect the prepared tooth from damage, use a temporary crown cement kit, available over the counter at most pharmacies. These kits provide a stabilizing layer that protects the exposed dentin and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting. Applying the temporary cement thinly to the inside of the crown and gently seating it back onto the tooth offers the best short-term protection.
Delaying professional care carries significant risks. These risks include the potential for rapid decay of the exposed tooth structure or fracture of the remaining tooth core. The surrounding teeth can also begin to shift into the newly created gap within days, which can make re-seating the original crown impossible. Contacting your dental office immediately after removal is mandatory to schedule a prompt appointment for permanent re-cementation or replacement.