Have you struggled previously when your dental crown fell out
Picture this: You’re enjoying a crunchy snack or absentmindedly biting down when you suddenly feel something loose in your mouth. You take it out, only to realize it’s your dental crown.
If this happens, the first step is to retrieve the crown and keep it safe. In many cases, if the crown is undamaged, your dentist can simply clean it and reattach it. However, if it’s broken, you’ll need to be extra cautious with eating and chewing until you get a replacement. Your dentist may even recommend sticking to soft foods or liquids.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to protect your tooth if your dental crown fell out
Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Out?
Dental crowns falling off is a common scenario. Sometimes, you may not even realize that your dental crown fell out. There are several reasons behind it.
Sometimes, it may be because of tooth decay that has developed beneath your crown. Bacteria are microscopic but can cause significant damage if they sneak under your crown. As they accumulate, they can lead to decay in the remaining natural tooth structure, gradually weakening the foundation of your crown.
Over time, this decay can loosen the crown, increasing the risk of it falling out. In some cases, there may not be enough natural teeth left to support the crown properly.
Keep reading to discover other common reasons why dental crowns may come loose or fall out.
Common Causes of Dental Crowns Falling Out
There are several causes of dental crowns falling out. Below is a more detailed overview:
Underlying Tooth Decay
If you develop decay on the tooth below your crown, it results in weakening your overall tooth structure. As a result, your crown stability is compromised. This results in its loosening.
Cement Failure
The cement holds your crown in its proper place. Over time, it can degrade due to your salivary or chewing forces. Cement failure may even result from an improper initial placement. In this way, it can ultimately result in tooth loosening, and eventually, it falls out.
Injury or Trauma
Trauma from falls or accidents can exert excessive force on your dental crown, gradually loosening it and increasing the risk of it falling out.
Wear and Tear
The regular wear and tear resulting from chewing, grinding, and clenching your food may make your dental crown weak.
Poor Fit
An improperly fitted crown may not stay in its proper place. Crowns that are not fitted correctly can lead to an improper seal, allowing bacteria to infiltrate and compromise the crown’s stability.
Teeth Grinding
Excessively grinding and clenching your teeth may put your teeth under extreme stress, resulting in loosening or fracture.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Dental Crown Falls Off
The dental crown fell out? Before you rush to book an emergency dental appointment, there are a few measures you can take:
Stay Calm
The first and most important step is to stay calm. While it may feel frustrating, remember that your dental crown can likely be fixed. You might experience some discomfort at first, but the damage may not be permanent.
Inspect Your Crown
The next step after your dental crown falls out depends on its condition. If you can locate the crown, retrieve it immediately and check for visible damage. If there’s no tooth fragment inside, your dentist may be able to reattach it.
Clean Your Crown
Wash off your crown instantly with a gentle soap solution. Dry it off and place it in a safe place until you take it to your dentist.
Protect Your Underlying Tooth
If a dental crown falls out, it may leave your treated tooth or sensitive tissue exposed, increasing the risk of infection. You can use temporary dental wax or similar substances to protect the area until you go to the dentist.
Avoid Certain Foods
With your nerves and sensitive tissues exposed, it’s crucial to avoid certain foods. Hard, sticky, or acidic foods can dislodge any temporary fix, further exposing and potentially damaging the underlying tooth structure.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care for a Fallen Crown
A dental crown post-fallout requires emergency attention if you experience pain, bleeding, swelling, or have an exposed tooth. Here’s when to seek urgent care:
Sensitivity or Severe Pain
If you are experiencing throbbing or extreme sensitivity, it is an indication that your underlying tooth surface is exposed.
Bleeding or Swelling
Swelling in your face or gums, along with any signs of tooth bleeding, may indicate a severe infection or underlying dental issues that require immediate attention.
Completely Fallen Crown
If your dental crown falls out completely, it may leave your underlying tooth exposed, increasing the risk of sensitivity, infection, or further damage.
Difficulty Eating or Speaking
If your missing crown results in difficulties with speech and eating, it’s best to seek professional care.
Accidental Swallowing of Your Crown
Although rare, you may accidentally swallow your dental crown post fall out. In such cases, call your dentist immediately. They may recommend an X-ray to determine the location of your dental crown. Since crowns are small and smooth, they often pass through the digestive tract naturally within a few days.
While losing a crown can be stressful, not every case requires urgent care. It’s important to recognize when a dental crown post-fallout is a true emergency and when it can wait for a scheduled appointment. Here’s when it’s not an emergency:
- When you have minimal discomfort.
- Your fallen crown is still intact.
- There are no signs of infection on or around your exposed tooth surface.
Conclusion
A dental crown fell out
In the meantime, protect your exposed tooth by avoiding chewing on that side and sticking to soft foods. You can also ask your dentist about using dental wax for temporary protection. Above all, remember not to panic.
At RiverRock Dental, we provide expert dental care, including crown restoration. If your dental crown fell out, our experienced specialists can guide you through recovery while prioritising comfort.
If you’re looking for a dentist in shakopee, mn, book a consultation with us today!
Address: 403 1st Ave East, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 445-5556
