It can be alarming when a crown suddenly comes off while you are eating or brushing. The good news is that this is a common dental problem, and in many cases the crown can be cleaned and re-cemented. What you do in the first few hours can help protect the tooth and make the repair simpler.
Remove the crown from your mouth to avoid swallowing or inhaling it. Rinse it gently and store it in a clean container or bag. Check the tooth in a mirror: if it looks broken or there is pain, swelling or bleeding, mention this when you call the clinic. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area, and call the clinic as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.
The exposed tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold and air. Avoid chewing on that side and choose soft foods. Brush gently around the tooth to keep it clean. If the tooth is sharp, a small piece of orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum can cover the edge temporarily. Some pharmacies sell temporary dental cement, which can be used to reseat the crown for a short time, but never use household glue, which can damage the tooth and crown.
Crowns can come off because the cement has worn away over time, decay has developed under the crown, the tooth underneath has broken, or because of sticky foods and grinding. Sometimes the original tooth was too short to hold the crown securely. Your dentist will investigate the cause to prevent it from happening again.
If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is healthy, it can often be cleaned and re-cemented in a single visit. If there is decay or the tooth has broken, the decay must be treated first, and a new crown may be needed. In some cases, the tooth may need additional support, such as a post and core, or crown lengthening to improve retention.
Seek prompt care if you have severe pain, swelling, signs of infection, or if the tooth has broken significantly. If the crown was on a front tooth, you may also want an urgent appointment for appearance reasons, and your dentist can provide a temporary solution.
Avoid very sticky foods such as toffee and chewy sweets, and do not use your teeth to open packages. Wear a night guard if you grind. Keep up good oral hygiene around crowns and attend regular check-ups, where your dentist can spot loose crowns or decay early.
You can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy for a short time, but see your dentist promptly. Never use household glue.
It is usually not a medical emergency, but you should see a dentist soon to protect the tooth.
Not always. If the crown and tooth are healthy, it can often be re-cemented.
Contact us promptly if your crown has come off. Learn more about crowns and bridges in Al Ain.
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