Dental crowns have been a successful dental treatment for decades. With routine dental care, they can last for many years. However, they are not indestructible. Although dental crowns are considered permanent restorations, they can loosen and eventually fall off. If you have a dental crown, it’s vital that you know what to do if it falls off.
Why Does a Dental Crown Fall Off?
It may seem like your crown suddenly fell off, but it’s more likely that it’s gradually become detached. One reason for this detachment is that an infection developed under it. Bacteria accumulates below the crown, affecting the remaining natural tooth structure and its attachment to it.
Other reasons your dental crown may have fallen off include:
- Normal wear and tear
- Eating sticky or hard foods
- Tooth decay under the crown
- Poor fit
- Routine teeth grinding
- Insufficient bonding
- External trauma
What your crown is made of can impact it as well. Stronger options are available for those with bruxism or those with a habit of chewing harder items. Metal offers the most durability, followed by porcelain.
Do I Need Urgent Dental Care?
The only reason you’d need to be seen for an emergency appointment is if the crown is broken and it has sharp edges. Having a same-day appointment may prevent you from cutting your tongue or cheeks. Otherwise, it is no problem if you have to wait for a few days.
My Dental Crown Fell Off. What Do I Do?
There are many reasons why your dental crown may have fallen off. Regardless, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Follow these steps if it happens to you.
Remove the Crown and Examine It
If your dental crown falls entirely off, don’t leave it in your mouth. You could accidentally swallow or breathe it in. It could be broken and have sharp edges that damage the tissues in your mouth, including the tooth that is now exposed. And if you swallowed it, there’s no need to panic. Most crowns easily pass through the digestive tract.
A non-damaged crown can be placed back into your mouth using an over-the-counter dental cement. This protects the tooth beneath it from additional damage. Rinse it to remove any debris before cementing it back into place.
Call Your Dentist
After assessing the situation, contact your dentist immediately. They’ll schedule an appointment for you to get your crown re-cemented. Waiting too long allows bacteria to invade the underlying tissue and cause an infection. This could lead to you needing a root canal.
If you swallowed or lost the crown, your dentist will make another one. You may have to wear a temporary dental crown until your new one can be made.
Keep the Dental Crown in a Secure Place
If you’re not comfortable placing it back in your mouth, secure it in a paper towel or plastic bag. Then, take it to your appointment so your dentist can determine whether they can reattach it.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is the standard for good oral health. However, extra special care is required when a dental crown falls off. Do not let food debris collect. Rinsing with a saltwater solution is also a good idea.
Watch What You Eat
If you use temporary dental cement to place it back in your mouth, your dental crown may still come off. Thus, it’s best that you avoid chewy, sticky, hard, or crunchy foods, as they can pull off or break the crown. Foods that are too hot may be able to soften the material. Last, foods that are too cold may aggravate the nerves and increase pain.
Preventing Your Crown From Coming Off
You play a vital role in the success of any dental treatment, and dental crowns are no exception. To reduce your chances of having one fall out, follow these tips:
- Brush twice and floss once daily
- Consider using an interdental brush
- Avoid chewing on ice or sticky and tough foods
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your provider. These appointments allow your dentist to detect any potential issues with your crown early on. They can then take steps to address them before they fall off or become a bigger problem.
Expert Care From a Top Team in Atlanta
Prompt action is the key to success when your dental crowns fall off. Schedule a visit with Dr. Brett Langston and the team to get them promptly reattached or replaced. Contact us today.
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