If your dental crown falls off, stay calm. This is a common dental issue that can usually be fixed. Keep the crown in a safe place, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and call your dentist right away to schedule a repair appointment. Do not try to reattach the crown with household glue. In many cases, your dentist can clean and recement the same crown in a single visit.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right Now
First, retrieve the crown if possible and keep it safe in a small container or plastic bag. Gently rinse it with water if needed, but do not scrub or use any chemicals. Look at the inside of the crown and the exposed tooth to see if anything looks damaged or broken.
Call your dentist as soon as possible. Explain that your crown has fallen off and ask about same-day or next-day appointments. Until you can be seen, avoid chewing on the affected side, be gentle when brushing around the area, and avoid sticky or hard foods.
Can I Temporarily Reattach My Crown at Home?
If your appointment is a day or two away, you can temporarily reattach the crown using dental adhesive or denture adhesive from a pharmacy. Apply a small amount inside the crown and press it gently onto your tooth. This is a temporary fix only.
Never use super glue, household cement, or any other non-dental adhesive. These products are not safe for use in your mouth and can damage your tooth, making it harder for your dentist to repair the crown properly.
Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Off?
Crowns can become loose over time due to normal wear and tear, decay forming under the crown, eating sticky or hard foods, grinding or clenching your teeth, or the cement simply breaking down over the years of use.
Does It Hurt When a Crown Falls Off?
When a crown falls off, you may experience some sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This is because the underlying tooth is now exposed. The sensitivity is usually manageable and temporary.
What to Avoid Until You See the Dentist
Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, eating sticky foods like caramel or gum, eating very hard foods that could damage the exposed tooth, drinking very hot or very cold beverages if sensitive, and using any household adhesives to reattach the crown.
Can the Same Crown Be Reattached?
In many cases, yes. If the crown is intact and the underlying tooth is healthy, your dentist can often clean the crown and tooth, then recement it in place. This is a quick procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes.
How Long Can I Wait to Get It Fixed?
You should see your dentist within a few days at most. While it may not feel like an emergency, leaving the tooth exposed increases the risk of sensitivity, new decay forming on the exposed tooth, the tooth cracking or breaking, and the crown becoming damaged if not stored properly.
Emergency Dental Crown Repair in Newark, NJ
At Gentle Dental of NJ, we understand that a loose or fallen crown can be stressful. We offer same-day emergency appointments to address your concerns quickly and get your smile restored.
Dr. Eugene Bernstein has over 25 years of experience in restorative dentistry, including crowns. With proper care, dental crowns can last 15-20 years or longer.
Call us at 973-817-8888 to schedule your emergency crown repair appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reattach a crown?
If the crown can be recemented without any other treatment, the cost is typically modest. If the crown is damaged or the tooth needs treatment, costs may be higher. We will evaluate your situation and provide a clear estimate before any work is done.
Will I need a new crown?
Not necessarily. If your existing crown is in good condition and fits properly, it can often be recemented. If the crown is damaged, cracked, or no longer fits well, a new crown may be recommended.
How can I prevent my crown from falling off again?
Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, maintain good oral hygiene to prevent decay around the crown, and keep up with regular dental checkups.
Is a fallen crown a dental emergency?
While not life-threatening, a fallen crown should be addressed promptly to prevent complications. Call your dentist the same day, if possible to discuss your options.