Regarding dental work, few things are as frustrating as a fallen crown. Not only can it be uncomfortable and unsightly, but it can also leave your tooth vulnerable to damage or infection. If you’ve experienced this unfortunate dental mishap, don’t panic.
With the proper knowledge and approach, dealing with a fallen dental crown can be a manageable and stress-free experience. If you’ve experienced a fallen crown, this guide will take you through the steps, starting with immediate care and ending with finding a reliable dentist to help restore your natural smile.
Summary of The Content:
- Dental crowns can fall off due to tooth decay, trauma, grinding/clenching teeth, poor fit, or aging/wear and tear.
- Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a dental emergency appointment.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist.
- Your dentist will evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action, which may include reattaching the crown, replacing it with a new one, or performing other dental work.
- To prevent future crown issues, practice good oral hygiene, avoid hard or sticky foods, and see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Understanding Dental Crowns
Tooth-shaped caps, or dental crowns, can help restore a damaged tooth’s shape, size, and strength while also improving its aesthetic appearance. They are implemented when traditional fillings are insufficiently restoring the tooth’s form and are designed to safeguard, cover, and restore its shape. Dental crowns are crafted from various materials.
Here is a summarised breakdown of the materials used for dental crowns:
- Metal-based crowns: Made of alloys, extremely durable but less aesthetically pleasing.
- Ceramic crowns: More aesthetically pleasing than metal-based crowns but not as strong.
- Porcelain crowns: The most aesthetically pleasing option, but they can be brittle and may crack or chip.
- Resin crowns: More affordable option. They can be colour-matched to teeth but are less durable than other types.
- Zirconia crowns: Strong and durable, can be colour-matched to teeth, a good option for front teeth.
Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Off?
Dental crowns falling off can occur for various reasons. It is essential to understand these factors to prevent such incidents. Here are some possible reasons for crown detachment:
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay can weaken the tooth structure and cause the crown to fall off.
- Trauma: An injury or mouth trauma can cause a loose dental crown.
- Grinding or clenching teeth: Consistent grinding or clenching of teeth can put excessive pressure on the crown and cause dental crown displacement.
- Poor fit: If the loose crown is not properly fitted to the tooth, it can easily become loose and fall off.
- Aging or wear and tear: Loose dental crowns can fall off due to natural wear and tear.
Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to crown failure due to various reasons. Firstly, bacteria buildup around the crown can result in gum disease, which causes bone loss around the tooth. This bone loss can make the tooth unstable and lead to crown detachment.
Secondly, tooth decay caused by poor oral hygiene can weaken the tooth structure and lead to a loose or falling crown. Lastly, poor oral hygiene can cause tooth grinding and clenching, which puts excessive pressure on the crown and results in premature failure.
What to Do if Your Dental Crown Falls Off
Taking immediate action is important to prevent further damage or discomfort if you have a loose dental crown. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Contact your dentist right away. A crown detachment is a dental emergency. The underlying tooth is unprotected and may feel sensitive or painful. Reattaching your crown as soon as possible is important to avoid further complications.
- Recover and rinse off your crown. If your crown is still intact, it should be possible to recement it to your tooth. After removing the crown, use warm water to rinse it gently and get rid of any debris. Place it in a plastic bag or container that you can easily access, and don’t forget to bring it to the dentist’s office so it can be reattached.
- Protect your tooth until your appointment. Ideally, getting emergency dental care on the same day your crown falls out would be best. But sometimes, this might not be possible. If your tooth hurts, you can take some over-the-counter medications if necessary.
- Get your crown reattached or replaced. If your crown and tooth are intact, they can be reattached with dental cement. But if either the tooth or the crown is damaged, reattaching the crown might not be advisable. In such cases, your dentist will discuss options for a crown replacement with you.
Delaying dental treatment with a loose dental crown can lead to serious complications. Leaving the underlying tooth unprotected can cause it to become weak and sensitive. If left untreated, it may even become infected or decayed. This can lead to additional dental procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
In addition, a lost crown can also result in discomfort or pain when eating, speaking, or drinking, which can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Therefore, seeking immediate dental care when a dental crown falls off is important to prevent further complications.
Is It Safe to Eat After a Dental Crown Falls Off?
Although you can still eat, it is advisable to chew on the other side of your mouth that is not affected by the missing crown to avoid any pain or discomfort. Sticky and hard foods that can cause further damage should be avoided. In addition, it is essential to exercise caution when brushing and cleaning the affected area.
Can You Temporarily Reattach Your Crown at Home?
Attempting to reattach a dental crown at home can pose several risks and complications. It can be tough to accurately align the crown back to its original position without the necessary dental tools and knowledge. Using superglue and not the proper dental adhesive to reattach the crown can be harmful and potentially toxic. These adhesives may contain chemicals that can harm your oral health if swallowed or inhaled.
If the crown is not correctly positioned, it can lead to further dental problems, including infection, nerve damage, and even tooth loss. In case your dental crown becomes loose or falls off, immediate dental attention is necessary. The dentist will examine the tooth and crown and determine the best action to prevent further damage or infection. The dentist may also recommend a temporary crown until a permanent one can be implemented.
If you experience a dental crown falling off. Several temporary solutions can help manage the situation until you can see a dentist. Here are some potential temporary solutions:
- Keep the crown in a safe place: If it falls off, try to locate it and keep it safe. Maintaining the crown in good condition is crucial, as your dentist might be able to reattach it.
- Clean the area around the tooth: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water to clean the area around the tooth. Be sure to remove any food particles or debris that may be present.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods: Hard or sticky foods can dislodge the crown or cause further damage to the tooth. You can opt for a soft food diet.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers: If you experience pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the symptoms.
It’s crucial to visit a dentist promptly to reattach the crown permanently. These temporary solutions only manage the situation until you can see a dentist.
What Will the Dentist Do to Reattach the Crown?
When a crown falls off, the dentist must reattach it to the tooth. Here are the steps a dentist may take to reattach a crown:
- Cleaning the crown and tooth: The dentist will clean the crown and the tooth to remove any debris or cement left over from the previous attachment.
- Preparing the tooth: The dentist may need to shape the tooth to fit the crown properly. This may involve removing a small amount of tooth structure.
- Creating a new crown: If the original crown is damaged, the dentist may need to create a new crown. When this occurs, the dentist will obtain an impression of the tooth and dispatch it to a laboratory where a new crown will be fabricated.
- Reattaching the crown: The dentist will use dental cement to attach the crown to the tooth. They will place the crown over the tooth and apply pressure to ensure a snug fit.
- Checking the bite: The dentist will ensure the crown feels comfortable and does not interfere with the bite. They may make small adjustments to the crown as needed.
It should be emphasised that the particular procedures may differ based on unique circumstances. Occasionally, the dentist may have the option to reattach the crown instead of fabricating a new one. The treatment options the dentist may recommend for a detached dental crown depend on the extent of damage to the crown and underlying tooth. Here are the different options the dentist may recommend:
- Recementation: If the crown remains intact, the dentist may return it to the tooth. This quick and easy fix can be done in a single appointment.
- Replacing the crown: If it is damaged or cannot be recemented, the dentist may need to replace it with a new crown. The process entails extracting the previous crown and crafting a fresh one by making an impression of the tooth. Once it is ready, the new crown will be cemented onto the real tooth.
- Root canal treatment: If the underlying tooth is damaged or infected, the doctor may recommend a root canal procedure to save the actual tooth. This involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from the vulnerable tooth and filling it with a special material. Once the tooth is restored, a new crown can be placed on top.
- Extraction: Sometimes, the tooth may be too damaged to save. If that is the situation, the dentist might suggest removing the tooth and substituting it with a dental implant or bridge.
The specific treatment option recommended will depend on the extent of damage to the tooth and crown. It is crucial to seek advice from a dentist promptly if a dental crown comes off to avoid additional harm or infection.
What if The Crown Cannot Be Reattached?
If a dental crown cannot be reattached, there are a few possible alternatives that a dentist may recommend. Here are some options:
- Replace the crown: If it is damaged or cannot be reattached, the dentist may recommend replacing it with a new crown. The dentist must remove the old crown and take an impression of the tooth to create a new crown. Once it is ready, the new crown can be cemented onto the tooth.
- Dental implant: The dentist may recommend a dental implant if the underlying tooth is too damaged to support a new crown. After a surgical procedure, a titanium post is inserted into the jawbone, which is known as a dental implant. Once the post has fused with the bone, a permanent crown can be attached to the implant.
- Bridge: The dentist may recommend a dental bridge if multiple adjacent teeth are missing or damaged. A bridge is a prosthetic device anchored to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that fill the gap.
- Dentures: The dentist may recommend dentures if multiple teeth are missing or damaged. Missing teeth can be replaced with removable prosthetic devices called dentures. They can be partial or full, depending on the extent of tooth loss.
The specific treatment recommended will depend on the extent of damage to the tooth and the patient’s needs. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of all the potential options for a dislodged dental crown:
- Replacing the crown:
Pros:
- Replacing the crown is a relatively quick and easy solution that can usually be done in a single dental appointment.
- It is less invasive than other options, not requiring surgery.
Cons:
- If the underlying tooth is damaged or infected, simply replacing the crown may not address the problem.
- If the tooth has been weakened by previous dental work, it may be more prone to future damage or infection.
- Dental implant:
Pros:
- Dental implants are a long-lasting solution lasting many years or even a lifetime with proper care.
- Implants look and function like natural teeth, improving your appearance and restoring your ability to chew and speak.
- Implants are a permanent solution that does not require removal for cleaning.
Cons:
- Implants require surgery, which can be expensive and invasive.
- Placing an implant can take several months, as the implant needs to fuse with the jawbone before a permanent crown can be attached.
- Dental implants may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions or who have insufficient bone density in the jaw.
- Bridge:
Pros:
- Bridges are a relatively quick and easy solution, usually done in a few dental appointments.
- Bridges look and function like natural teeth, so they can improve your appearance and restore your ability to chew and speak.
- Bridges are a permanent solution that does not require removal for cleaning.
Cons:
- Bridges require the removal of healthy tooth structure, which can weaken the remaining teeth.
- Bridges may not be as long-lasting as other options and must be replaced every 5-15 years.
- Bridges can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay or gum disease.
- Dentures:
Pros:
- Dentures are a relatively affordable solution for patients with multiple missing or damaged teeth.
- Dentures can improve your appearance and restore your ability to chew and speak.
- Dentures can be removed for cleaning or repair.
Cons:
- Dentures can be uncomfortable, especially if they do not fit properly.
- Dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced over time to accommodate changes in the mouth or jawbone.
- Dentures can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay or gum disease.
How to Prevent Dental Crowns from Falling Off
Listed below are some preventive measures that can aid in preserving the integrity of your dental crowns:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your dental crowns in good condition. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
- Avoid hard foods: Chewing on hard foods, such as ice, hard candy, or nuts, can damage your dental crowns. Avoid these types of foods, or chew them on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Wear a mouthguard or nightguard: In case you participate in sports or suffer from teeth grinding, wearing a mouthguard can provide an added layer of protection for your dental crowns against any harm.
- Get regular dental checkups: Regular dental checkups can help identify any issues with your dental crowns before they become more serious. Your dental professional can assess the state of your dental crowns and perform any essential modifications or repairs.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or perform other non-chewing tasks can damage your dental crowns. Use scissors, a nail clipper, or other appropriate tools instead.
- Avoid acidic or sugary foods and drinks: Acidic and sugary foods and drinks can erode the enamel on your teeth, weakening your dental crowns. Limit your intake of these foods and drinks, or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
These preventive measures can help ensure your dental crowns remain intact and in good condition. If you experience any issues with your crowns, consult your dentist immediately to prevent further damage or complications.
What to Expect After the Crown Is Reattached
After reattaching a dental crown, it is common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity. This is because the tooth and surrounding tissues may have been irritated or traumatised while removing and reattaching the crown. Here are some potential causes of discomfort or sensitivity after a dental crown is reattached:
- Sensitivity to temperature changes: You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially in the first few days after the crown is reattached. The tooth may be more sensitive to temperature changes due to recent dental work.
- Soreness or tenderness: After reattaching the crown, the gums and surrounding tissues may be sore or tender. This is because they may have been irritated or inflamed while removing and reattaching the crown.
- Bite problems: If the crown is not properly aligned or adjusted, you may experience discomfort or pain when biting down. Your dentist can adjust the crown to ensure it fits properly and does not cause bite problems.
- Infection: In rare cases, an infection may develop after the crown is reattached. This can cause pain, swelling, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist right away.
To manage discomfort or sensitivity after a dental crown is reattached, you can:
- As your dentist directs, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods that may cause discomfort or dislodge the crown.
- Use a desensitising toothpaste to help reduce sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe sore or tender gums.
If your discomfort or sensitivity persists or worsens over time, contact your dentist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Final Thoughts
If your dental crown falls off, don’t panic. Although it can be exasperating, there are measures you can take to tackle the problem and reattach your crown. If possible, save the crown, avoid eating or drinking until you see your dentist, and contact your dental office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
The team at Prospect Road Dental is committed to delivering superior dental care to assist you in preserving an attractive and healthy smile. Our dentists and staff are highly skilled and experienced in their field. If you have experienced a dental emergency, such as a crown falling off, we are here to help. Get in touch with us now to book an appointment and receive the essential dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of your crowns depends on the type you choose and how you maintain them. For instance, gold crowns can last up to 20 years, while resin can only last up to 5 years. On average, dental crowns can last between 5 and 20 years or longer with proper care.
Yes. You will be given local anaesthesia to numb the area throughout the procedure so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. The numbing agent will also wear off a few hours after the treatment is completed. If you have dental fear or a more complex case, you can talk to your dentist about getting sedatives or general anaesthesia.
Certain restrictions on what you can eat or drink after getting a dental crown should be observed. For the first 24 hours after your procedure, stick to soft foods and liquids such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid eating anything hard or chewy, like nuts, popcorn, chips, and other crunchy snacks, until the area has healed completely. You should also avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few weeks, as these can cause sensitivity while your gum is healing. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to avoid drinks with high sugar, such as carbonated beverages and fruit juices, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay. Remember, you can still get tooth decay under your crown.
It’s important to have your dental crown checked at least twice a year by a dentist. This lets them check the crown to see if it’s fitting properly and not being damaged due to wear or tear. Your dentist may also recommend more frequent check-ups if you are at risk of developing gum disease, as this can increase the risk of the crown failing.