When your tooth is severely decayed, weakened, or even stained, a dental crown can help shield it against external factors. Designed to resemble your natural teeth, the crown silently takes its place and can last for years, given that you follow a proper oral care routine. However, it is not uncommon for the dental crown to fall off. You would be surprised at the number of times dentists hear, ‘My crown fell out, but it doesn’t hurt.’
In this blog, we will walk you through what to do when your dental crown falls off. Moreover, we will mention the possible reasons it happens and the complications that might occur if you do not visit a dentist right away.
Why Your Permanent Crown Fell Out
Many factors can result in the dental crown coming loose and even falling off of the affected tooth. Here are some common reasons why it happens:
- The new crown did not have a proper fitting.
- The improperly fitted old crown came loose due to biting, chewing, and pressure.
- The tooth is too worn out to provide a durable base for the restoration.
- The dental cement deteriorated or wore down over time.
- Teeth grinding or clenching caused the crown to come loose and eventually fall off.
- Poor oral hygiene lead to cavities and bacteria buildup.
What to Do if My Crown Fell Out But Doesn’t Hurt
You should save the fallen crown and consult your emergency dentist when it falls off. If you keep the crown in a zip lock bag after thoroughly rinsing it, the dentist might be able to reattach it. Whether your tooth hurts or not, here is what you should do if your crown falls out:
- Talk to the Dentist: You should immediately consult your dentist, even if it doesn’t hurt. The crown is placed on the weakened tooth to protect it, which means you may experience some pain or sensitivity. Bacteria and food particles reach inside your tooth, leading to decay and infection.
- Properly Rinse the crown: Your dentist might be able to reattach the crown, given that it appears to be in good condition with no apparent damage. This way, you will not have to spend extra money as well as time on having a new crown prepared.
- Protect the Tooth: Now, you should prioritize keeping the exposed tooth shielded at all costs. Sometimes, you cannot manage to visit the emergency dentist on the same day; it’s possible that your dental crown fell off on a weekend or vacation. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is up to you to take the necessary steps to guard the tooth until you can get to a dentist. You can try taking emergency dental cement from a local drugstore to create a protective coating on the tooth. When you visit the dentist, they can easily remove the cement and treat the tooth accordingly. Other than this, you can also use dental wax and sugarless gum (only if you cannot find the dental wax or cement) as a short-term solution to the issue at hand.
- Replacing or Reattaching the Crown: Your primary focus should be to visit the dentist as soon as possible. They can reattach the crown if it is in good shape and prepare a new crown if need be.
Risks of Avoiding Emergency Dental Treatment
You might think it is not as big an emergency since the crown fell off, but it doesn’t hurt. False! While pain should not be ignored, neglecting treatment for a loose or fallen crown can result in the following complications:
- Damaging the exposed tooth
- Developing pain in the future
- Infection in the tooth
- Unable to fit the crown
What’s the Takeaway?
So, your crown fell out, but it doesn’t hurt? It still needs immediate dental attention, pain or no pain! The natural tooth under the crown is vulnerable, and leaving it exposed can lead to further complications.
You need to visit Lake Elsinore Dentistry for optimal dental care and treatments. Dial (951) 579-1010 to give us a ring or pay us a visit at 31581 Canyon Estates Dr #201, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532.