Here’s What to Do If Your Crown Falls Off

A dental crown is a great option to restore your tooth after damage or decay. The tooth-shaped cap covers your entire tooth and provides much-needed strength and protection.

Although crowns are meant to last for years, they don't always stay in place. You might bite into a hard or crunchy food, only to find that your crown has come loose, leaving you wondering what to do.

Call your dentist right away and book the earliest appointment available. Learn the next steps to care for your crown and keep your teeth healthy before your appointment.

What should you do if a crown falls off?

Try not to panic if your dental crown falls off or loosens. You can take these six simple steps to protect your crown -- and the tooth underneath it -- while you wait to see a dentist.

1. Retrieve the crown and assess the damage

If your crown falls out, take time to find it. If it comes loose while still in your mouth, don't swallow it. Carefully remove it from your mouth. Then, inspect your tooth and the crown. Look for signs of damage, such as:

• Cracks or broken pieces in your crown or exposed tooth

• Sharp edges on your crown or tooth

• Swollen or irritated gums

Checking for damage will help answer any questions your dentist may have.

If you accidentally swallow a dislodged crown, it may pass through your digestive system without any problems. But seek medical attention right away if you have pain, difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms after swallowing a crown.

2. Make a dentist appointment

Call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment, ideally within a few days of your crown falling off. Be prepared to answer any questions they have about your crown or tooth. At the appointment, your dentist will determine why the crown fell off and if it needs to be re-cemented or replaced.

3. Clean and store the crown

Follow these steps to keep your crown clean and secure until you can see a dentist:

• Place a stopper in the sink before cleaning your crown. This will prevent your crown from going down the drain.

• Rinse your crown with lukewarm water. If food particles or debris remain after rinsing, gently brush your crown with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

• Dry your crown completely, handling it with care.

• Seal your crown in a plastic sandwich bag.

• Put the bag in a safe place.

4. Protect your tooth

Protecting your exposed tooth -- and keeping your mouth healthy -- is just as important as saving the dislodged crown. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash is also helpful. This can reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, which helps minimize inflammation.

5. Manage any pain

When a dental crown falls off, it can expose the dentin - the sensitive second layer of your tooth. Dentin is filled with small tubes connected to nerve endings, which can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. You may also have gum inflammation or tenderness, making eating uncomfortable.

Consider these tips to manage the pain:

• Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums and reduce bacteria. Stir ½ tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water.

• Chew on the opposite side from your missing crown.

If the underlying tooth has a root canal, you may not experience much pain. In that case, focus on managing pain from inflamed gums.

6. Avoid certain foods

You may need to adjust your diet until you can see a dentist to reattach or replace your crown. Avoid the following foods to prevent further damage or irritation to your exposed tooth and gum:

• Hard foods like ice and nuts

• Sticky or chewy foods like taffy and caramels

• Crunchy foods like popcorn

• Tough foods like steak

• Really hot or cold foods that may cause sensitivity

What causes a crown to come loose?

There are many reasons a dental crown may loosen and fail. Common causes include:

• Tooth decay: New decay -- from poor oral hygiene or sugary and acidic foods -- under a crown will further damage your tooth. It can also damage the adhesive that bonds the crown to your tooth.

• Improper fit: A crown won't stay put if it's not the right size or shape for your tooth. A dentist can usually correct this mechanical error.

• Cement failure: Wear and tear can weaken the dental cement that holds a crown in place.

• Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth (bruxism) puts extra pressure on the crown, which can loosen it over time.

• Eating habits: Repeated stress from chewing hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage or loosen a crown.

How do you prevent crowns from falling out?

Take care of dental crowns the same way you would your natural teeth. Use these tips for proper oral hygiene to prolong the life of your dental crown:

• Brush and floss daily. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and floss once daily to prevent decay around your crown.

• Avoid hard or sticky foods. Try to avoid or limit eating hard or sticky foods -- like ice, hard candies, and taffy -- that can stress your crown.

• Consider wearing a nightguard. A mouthguard can help prevent crown or tooth damage if you grind your teeth.

• Avoid using your teeth as tools. While it might be convenient, using your teeth to open packages or other items puts unnecessary pressure on them, which can loosen your crown.

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist can address any problems with your teeth, including your crown, during regular checkups.

Do you have to pay for a crown if it falls out?

It depends on several factors, like when the crown was placed, what caused it to fail, and whether or not you have dental insurance. For example, if you have insurance, you may only need to pay a small fee to have your crown recemented. But your dentist may waive that fee if your crown is new or if it failed due to a mechanical issue like improper fit or cement failure.

If you have dental insurance, review your plan and discuss your options with someone at your dentist's office. If you don't have insurance, consider lower-cost treatment options, such as visiting a local dental school for care or finding a dental office that offers payment plans to finance treatment.