Can a Dental Crown Fall Out? What to Do If It Happens to You

A dental crown is meant to stay in place for years. But sometimes, it can come loose or fall out. This might happen while eating, brushing, or even without any warning. When it does, it can feel alarming. You may worry about pain, infection, or what to do next. Don’t panic — this blog will guide you through what causes a crown to fall out and the right steps to take if it happens.

Why Would a Dental Crown Fall Out?

Dental crowns in Renton are built to be strong. But like any dental work, they can fail for different reasons. Knowing these causes can help you avoid problems in the future.

• Worn-out dental cement – Over time, the glue that holds your crown in place can break down.
• Tooth decay under the crown – If decay forms underneath, the crown may lose its grip.
• Sticky or hard foods – Chewing gum, caramels, or biting hard items can loosen or pull off a crown.
• Trauma or injury – A blow to your mouth or biting something unexpectedly hard may dislodge it.
• Grinding or clenching – Constant pressure from bruxism can weaken the hold over time.
• Poor fit or age of the crown – Crowns don’t last forever. If it’s older than 10-15 years, it might just be time for a replacement.

Even with proper care, crowns can fall off. The good news? In most cases, it’s fixable.

What Should You Do When a Crown Falls Out?

If your dental crown falls out, stay calm. Taking the right steps quickly can prevent pain or further damage.

• Retrieve the crown – Rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or try to clean it aggressively.
• Check your tooth – Look in the mirror. If there’s pain, bleeding, or sharp edges, avoid touching it with your tongue or fingers.
• Call your dentist – Let them know what happened and schedule a visit as soon as possible.
• Avoid chewing on that side – Stick to soft foods and chew on the opposite side to avoid pressure.
• Keep the crown safe – Place it in a clean container and bring it to your dental appointment.

Sometimes, dentists can reattach the same crown if the tooth and crown are still in good shape. That’s why saving it is important.

Can You Put the Crown Back Yourself?

It may be tempting to place the crown back in your mouth. But doing this the wrong way can cause harm. Still, if you can’t get to your dentist right away, you can use temporary dental cement from a drugstore.

Follow these tips:

• Dry the area – Make sure your tooth and the inside of the crown are clean and dry.
• Use a small amount of temporary cement – Never use glue or any household adhesive.
• Gently press the crown into place – Make sure it fits naturally and does not feel crooked or too tight.
• Do not eat sticky or hard foods – Stick with soft foods until your dentist can check it.

This is only a short-term solution. You still need to see a dentist soon, even if the crown feels stable.

What Happens at the Dentist?

Your dentist will examine your tooth and the crown. They’ll look for signs of decay, damage, or wear. Based on what they find, they’ll decide what to do next.

Possible outcomes include:

• Re-cementing the crown—If everything looks good, they’ll clean the area and secure the crown.
• Replacing the crown—If the crown is cracked or no longer fits, they may take new impressions and make a new one.
• Treating the tooth—If decay or damage is found, a crown may need to be placed again before the tooth is fixed.

The sooner you visit, the more likely you’ll avoid more serious procedures.

How to Prevent It from Happening Again?

While nothing lasts forever, you can take steps to make your crown last longer. Proper care matters.

• Brush and floss daily – Keep the area clean to avoid decay under the crown.
• Don’t chew on hard objects – Ice, pens, or fingernails can cause damage.
• Wear a night guard – If you grind your teeth at night, a guard can reduce pressure on the crown.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Check-ups can catch small issues before they become big problems.
• Be careful with sticky foods – Avoid things like caramels or taffy that can pull on crowns.

Crowns are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Taking care of them means fewer surprises down the road.

Is It Common for Crowns to Fall Out?

It’s not rare, but it shouldn’t happen often. A crown that falls off once may still be usable. If it happens more than once, it could point to a deeper issue.

Crowns should stay in place for years when well-made and cared for. If yours keeps falling out, talk with your dentist about other options like a better-fitting crown or additional support.

A lost dental crown might feel like a big problem at first. But with the right steps, you can manage it safely and quickly. Keep your crown safe, avoid chewing on the area, and call your dentist without delay. Most of the time, this issue is easy to fix if handled early.