A crown is a type of dental prosthesis; it is a custom-fitted ceramic cap directly over a damaged tooth to restore its look and function.
A crown can last for decades if it is properly made, fitted, installed, and cared for. However, a crown can become loose or fall out. If this happens, it is important to take careful steps to minimize the damage and salvage the crown, if possible.
In this article, we’ll explain the steps to take if a crown becomes loose or falls out, as well as what you can do to avoid crown damage in the first place.
What Causes Crown Damage?
Several factors can cause a crown to become loose or fall out, mainly including:
- Impact or injury to the mouth
- Tooth decay
- Eating sticky foods
- Poor dental hygiene
- Grinding or clenching the teeth at night (bruxism)
- Weakened cement
Steps For a Crown That’s Loose or Falls Out
If you have a crown that becomes loose or falls out, be sure not to swallow it! Your first step should be to retrieve the crown if it falls out. Then, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You can bring the crown to your dentist and it may be possible to re-fit it. You can ask your dentist about using temporary dental cement from the pharmacy to keep your crown in place before your appointment.
It is crucial to avoid further damage by avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods. You can also try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the crown is, and be as gentle as possible while brushing your teeth.
Preventing Crown Damage
You can prevent crown damage by:
- Practicing proper dental hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night
- Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings
- Avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods
- Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth
- Choosing an experienced dentist like Dr. Dalton to avoid mistakes in the crowns fitting and installation process
Call Dalton Dental as soon as possible if your crown is loose or has fallen out for prompt care.
