What to Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Out

A dental crown can come loose or fall out when you least expect it—while eating dinner, brushing your teeth, or even in the middle of the night. Although losing a crown isn’t always painful, the tooth underneath may be sensitive, damaged, or vulnerable to further problems. Knowing what to do next can help protect your tooth until you can get to a dentist.

Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Off?

Dental crowns are designed to be durable, but they can become loose or dislodged for several reasons. The cement holding the crown in place may weaken over time, decay may develop beneath the restoration, or the crown or underlying tooth may become damaged. Biting into particularly hard or sticky foods can also sometimes cause a compromised crown to come loose.

Whatever the cause, it’s important to have the tooth evaluated promptly rather than simply ignoring a missing crown.

What Should You Do If Your Crown Falls Off?

First, try to find the crown and keep it in a clean, safe place. If possible, bring it with you to your dental appointment. Depending on the crown’s condition and the health of the underlying tooth, your dentist can determine whether the crown can be reattached or another treatment is necessary.

Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until the tooth has been evaluated. The exposed tooth may be sensitive and more susceptible to additional damage. You should also continue gently brushing the area to keep it clean.

Most importantly, contact a dentist as soon as possible. Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, delaying treatment could allow the underlying problem to become more complicated.

Is a Lost Crown a Dental Emergency?

A lost crown warrants prompt dental attention, particularly if you’re experiencing significant pain, sensitivity, swelling, signs of infection, or damage to the underlying tooth. A dentist can examine the area, determine why the crown came off, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

What If My Crown Falls Off at Night or on the Weekend?

Dental problems rarely happen at convenient times. EmergDENT provides after-hours emergency dental care, including treatment for broken crowns and fillings. The practice is open every day until 11 p.m., with same-day and walk-in appointments available.

Our goal is to diagnose and treat your dental concern during the same appointment whenever possible. If additional care is necessary, our team can also provide appropriate prescriptions or referrals.

Don’t Wait to Take Care of a Lost Crown

Losing a dental crown can be stressful, but seeking professional care promptly can help protect the tooth and prevent the problem from worsening. Whether your crown falls off after work, over the weekend, or at another inconvenient time, EmergDENT is here to provide the prompt, compassionate care you need.