Key Takeaways
- If your crown falls out, save it, gently clean both the crown and tooth, and protect the exposed area by avoiding chewing on that side.
- Contact your dentist within 24-48 hours, as it’s urgent even if not always a true emergency.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods and be gentle when brushing to prevent further damage or decay.
- Good oral hygiene and avoiding damaging habits (like chewing ice or sticky foods) can help prevent crowns from coming loose.
If you have prior dental work, it’s important to be aware of what to do if your crown falls out in Mesa. At Dental Brothers, we are proud to be one of the top providers for comprehensive dentistry, including Mesa dental crown placements and crown replacements. If you are dealing with a fallen-out crown and need urgent dental care, contact the team at Dental Brothers to get started with an appointment.
What to Do Immediately if Your Crown Falls Out
If your crown falls out, there are a few steps you can take to preserve the crown and avoid further damage to the tooth.
Locate and Save the Crown
The first thing you can do if your crown falls out is locate the crown and carefully place it in a safe spot. In many cases a crown can be placed back in location so bringing it to your appointment is important, if possible.
Clean the Crown and Tooth Area
Carefully clean the crown with toothpaste and water, and also carefully clean the exposed tooth area. Be very gentle with the exposed tooth by using a soft-bristle toothbrush or rinsing with warm salt water.
Protect the Exposed Tooth
Be careful when eating or chewing to prevent damage to the exposed tooth. Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing and try to chew on the other side of your mouth.
Call Your Dentist ASAP
Call your dentist so you can schedule an appointment ASAP. While not typically considered a medical emergency, it’s important to try to get an appointment within 1-2 days.
What to Avoid if Your Crown Falls Out
If your crown falls out, the most important thing you can do is protect the exposed tooth to avoid any further damage or decay. It’s important to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to protect the exposed tooth and avoid foods that are sticky, chewy, or hard. It’s important to continue brushing your teeth, but be gentle with the exposed area.
Is a Crown Falling Off a Dental Emergency?
A dental crown falling out may not be considered a dental emergency in Mesa, but it is an urgent issue that usually requires an appointment within 24 to 48 hours to prevent further damage from occurring. While waiting for your dental appointment, keep the crown in a safe spot, avoid chewing on that side, and keep the area clean to avoid any decay or damage to the exposed tooth.
When a Fallen-Out Crown Is an Emergency
If your crown falls out and you notice extreme pain or signs of damage and decay in the tooth, it may be an emergency that requires you to visit your Mesa, AZ dentist as soon as possible.
When a Fallen-Out Crown Can Wait
If your crown falls out and you do not have extreme pain and notice no signs of decay underneath the crown, and you are able to safely store the crown and avoid eating on that side of your mouth, it is okay to wait for an appointment with your dentist.
Why Do Dental Crowns Come Loose?
There are a number of reasons a dental crown may come loose. Some of the most common causes include:
- Tooth decay: New decay under your crown can cause the crown to come loose by damaging the adhesive that bonds the crown to your tooth.
- Improper fit: If a crown is not properly fitted to your tooth when it is placed, it may become loose and fall out.
- Cement failure: Over time, regular wear and tear can weaken the cement that is holding your dental crown into place.
- Teeth grinding: For patients who deal with teeth grinding, this can damage the crown and cause it to come loose.
- Certain foods: Certain foods, like very chewy, hard, or crunchy foods, can cause damage to your crown.
How to Prevent a Crown From Falling Out
Sometimes a crown will fall out if it is not properly fitted to your mouth, and there is not much you can do to protect yourself from that. But if you have a crown, there are a few things you can be aware of to try to protect your crown and prevent it from falling out. Some standard dental hygiene practices, like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly, can help protect your crown. Minimizing sticky foods, like gum or chewy candies, can also help. Avoid chewing ice to prevent your crown from falling out. Patients can also choose to use an interdental brush, which has a wide brush that goes deeper in between the teeth, to protect their crown.
Fallen-Out Crown FAQs
Can You Brush Your Teeth if Your Crown Falls Off?
If your crown falls out, you can and should continue to brush your teeth. It is important to be extremely gentle around the exposed tooth. For the best results, use a soft-bristled brush to keep the area clean and remove any food debris to prevent infection or damage. To minimize bacteria, you can also rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after each meal.
Can a Fallen-Out Crown Be Put Back In?
A fallen-out crown can often be put back in, as long as the crown is still intact and the tooth underneath is not decayed or broken. It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible, and for best results, get an appointment within 1-2 days of the crown falling out so you can prevent any further damage or decay. Before seeing your dentist, save the crown in a safe place and avoid chewing any food on that side of your mouth.
Can You Still Eat if Your Crown Fell Off?
If your crown falls out, you can still eat, but it is important to be very careful with the exposed tooth area. Avoid eating any hard, sticky, or chewy foods, like candy, nuts, or gum. When chewing, try to chew only on the opposite side of your mouth to the exposed tooth. You can stick to softer foods for the best results, like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes.