A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its strength, shape, size, and appearance. While crowns are designed for durability, situations can arise where a crown becomes loose or detaches from the tooth. This event is a common and manageable dental issue. Understanding the proper steps helps protect the underlying tooth and facilitates a smooth resolution.
Immediate Steps After a Crown Falls Off
If a dental crown falls off, carefully retrieve it to prevent swallowing or damage. Rinse the crown gently with warm water to remove debris, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water to cleanse the area and reduce irritation. Inspect the crown for cracks and the exposed tooth for damage or sensitivity.
The exposed tooth may be painful or sensitive, as the dentin and pulp are vulnerable. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort; avoid extreme temperatures in food and drink. To temporarily protect the tooth until a dental visit, use temporary dental cement, dental wax, or sugar-free gum to cover the area. These create a barrier against food particles and temperature changes.
Store the dislodged crown in a clean, secure container (e.g., small plastic bag or pillbox) to bring to your dental appointment. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an emergency visit. Prompt attention prevents complications like decay or fracture of the unprotected tooth.
Why Crowns Become Loose
Several factors can cause a dental crown to loosen or fall off. Over time, the dental cement bonding the crown to the tooth can wear down, losing its adhesive properties. This natural degradation is a common reason for detachment, especially with older restorations.
Underlying tooth decay can compromise a crown’s stability. New decay alters the tooth structure supporting the crown, causing it to no longer fit securely. Physical trauma, like biting a hard object or mouth injury, can also dislodge a crown.
Habitual teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) exerts excessive pressure, weakening the cement bond or fracturing the crown or underlying tooth. An improperly fitted or bonded crown may loosen prematurely. This can also create gaps where bacteria accumulate, leading to decay.
Professional Dental Care
Upon visiting the dentist after a crown has fallen off, the dental professional will conduct a thorough examination of both the dislodged crown and the underlying tooth. This assessment includes checking for any damage to the crown itself, evaluating the health and integrity of the remaining tooth structure, and identifying any signs of decay or fracture. The dentist will also assess the surrounding gum tissue for inflammation or infection.
If the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy and stable, the dentist may be able to clean both surfaces and re-cement the existing crown using a strong dental adhesive. This re-bonding process involves carefully preparing the tooth and the inner surface of the crown before applying the cement and seating the crown firmly back into place. The dentist ensures proper alignment and bite during this procedure.
A new crown becomes necessary if the original crown is significantly damaged, fractured beyond repair, or if there is extensive decay or structural compromise of the underlying tooth. In cases where the tooth is too compromised to support a new crown, the dentist will discuss alternative treatment options, such as extraction followed by a bridge or dental implant. Timely dental intervention is essential to prevent further damage to the exposed tooth and to maintain overall oral health.
Maintaining Crown Health
Consistent good oral hygiene practices are fundamental for prolonging the life of a dental crown and preventing future issues. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing around the crown helps remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate at the crown’s margins, preventing decay of the underlying tooth and gum inflammation. While the crown itself is resistant to decay, the natural tooth beneath it remains susceptible.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your crown and the surrounding oral tissues. During these visits, the dentist can detect early signs of wear, decay, or looseness, addressing potential problems before they escalate. Avoiding hard or sticky foods, such as nuts, hard candies, or taffy, can also help prevent dislodgement or damage to the crown. These foods can exert excessive force or pull on the crown, weakening its bond.
Individuals who grind or clench their teeth should discuss this habit with their dentist, as a custom-fitted nightguard can protect crowns and natural teeth from the damaging forces of bruxism. Promptly reporting any discomfort, sensitivity, or a feeling of looseness in the crown to your dentist allows for timely evaluation and intervention, which can often save the crown and prevent more extensive dental work.