Is A Crown Falling Out A Dental Emergency?

Learn what to do if your dental crown falls out, when to seek immediate care, and how to protect your tooth while waiting for treatment.

When a Crown Falling Out Requires Immediate Attention

Having a crown falling out unexpectedly can be alarming. One moment you’re enjoying a meal, and the next, you’re holding what used to be part of your tooth restoration in your hand. While this situation isn’t always a full-blown emergency, it does require prompt attention.

At Haight Family Dentistry in Plano, we understand the concern and discomfort that comes with a crown falling out. Knowing how to respond appropriately can make a significant difference in both your comfort and the long-term health of your tooth.

Let’s explore when a crown falling out constitutes a true dental emergency, what steps you should take immediately, and how to care for your tooth until you can see a dentist.

Understanding Why Crowns Fall Out

Before discussing whether a crown falling out is an emergency, it’s helpful to understand why this happens in the first place. Dental crowns are designed to be durable, long-lasting restorations, but several factors can lead to their dislodgement:

Decay Underneath the Crown

One of the most common reasons for a crown falling out is decay developing in the tooth structure beneath it. Despite the crown’s protection, the natural tooth underneath remains susceptible to decay, especially if bacteria seep under the edges of the crown due to poor oral hygiene or crown damage.

Weakened Dental Cement

The cement that bonds your crown to your tooth can break down over time. Certain foods, especially sticky candies or chewing gum, can gradually weaken this adhesive bond until the crown loosens and eventually comes off.

Physical Trauma

A direct impact to your mouth from a fall, sports injury, or accident can dislodge a crown. Even relatively minor trauma can sometimes be enough to break the cement seal.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Habitual grinding or clenching puts excessive pressure on crowns, potentially loosening them over time. Many people grind their teeth during sleep without realizing it, gradually weakening the crown’s attachment.

Improper Fit

If a crown wasn’t properly fitted from the beginning, it may be more prone to falling out. This highlights the importance of choosing an experienced dental provider for crown placement.

Age of the Crown

Most dental crowns have a lifespan of 5-15 years depending on the material and your oral habits. As crowns age, they’re more likely to become loose or fall out entirely.

Understanding the cause of your crown falling out is important, as it helps determine the urgency of the situation and influences the approach needed to fix the problem.

Assessing the Urgency: Is It a True Emergency?

When your crown falls out, determining whether it’s a dental emergency requiring immediate attention depends on several factors:

Pain Level

High Urgency: Severe, throbbing, or intense pain that interferes with daily activities or keeps you awake at night indicates a need for emergency treatment. This could suggest infection or significant exposure of the tooth’s nerve.

Moderate Urgency: Mild to moderate discomfort or sensitivity to temperature or pressure warrants prompt attention but might not require same-day emergency care.

Low Urgency: Minor sensitivity or no pain at all means you can likely wait a few days to see your dentist, though you should still call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Appearance of the Underlying Tooth

High Urgency: If the tooth under the crown appears darkened, has visible pus, or you notice an abscess (a pimple-like bump) on the gum near the tooth, seek emergency care immediately as these are signs of infection.

Moderate Urgency: A broken or significantly damaged tooth underneath the crown requires prompt attention to prevent further damage.

Low Urgency: If the tooth appears intact with just minor damage, you can likely wait for a regular appointment, though sooner is better.

Impact on Function

High Urgency: If the missing crown affects your ability to eat or speak, or if sharp edges are causing injuries to your tongue or cheeks, consider it more urgent.

Low Urgency: A crown falling out in a less visible or functional area might allow for a short wait before treatment.

Special Circumstances

Higher Urgency:

• You have an important upcoming event or travel plans
• You have a compromised immune system, which increases infection risk
• The crown is on an implant (this may indicate a more serious issue)
• You’re experiencing symptoms like fever, facial swelling, or swollen lymph nodes (which could indicate infection)

Immediate Steps to Take When a Crown Falls Out

Regardless of whether your crown falling out constitutes an emergency, taking the right steps immediately can protect your tooth and increase the chances of a successful re-cementation:

Retrieve and Secure the Crown

Carefully find and save your crown. Rinse it gently with warm water to remove any debris or old cement, but avoid scrubbing it with abrasive materials. Store it in a clean, safe container like a pill box or wrapped in tissue – not in paper towels, which might stick to it.

Contact Your Dentist

Call Haight Family Dentistry or your local dental provider right away. Describe your situation, including any pain or discomfort, and follow their guidance on appointment timing. Many dental offices reserve time for urgent cases like a crown falling out and may be able to see you the same day or within 24-48 hours.

Protect the Exposed Tooth

The tooth under your crown is likely shaped down and potentially sensitive. To protect it:

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
• Stay away from very hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages
• Keep the area clean by gently brushing and rinsing with warm salt water

Temporary Solutions

If you can’t see a dentist immediately, these temporary measures may help:

Temporary Cement (Over-the-Counter)

Dental repair kits containing temporary cement are available at most pharmacies. These products can help hold your crown in place until you can see your dentist. Always follow the product instructions carefully and understand this is a very short-term solution.

Dental Wax

If you can’t reattach the crown temporarily, dental wax (also available at pharmacies) can be placed over the exposed tooth to protect it from temperature sensitivity and sharp edges.

Clove Oil

For pain management, applying a small amount of clove oil to the sensitive area may help. Use a cotton swab to apply it carefully to the affected area, avoiding surrounding tissues.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use superglue or household adhesives to reattach your crown – these products are toxic and can damage both your tooth and the crown
• Don’t ignore the situation – even if you’re not in pain, the exposed tooth is vulnerable to damage and decay
• Don’t attempt to file or adjust the crown or tooth yourself
• Don’t chew on the exposed tooth or use it to bite food

The Importance of Timely Treatment for a Crown Falling Out

While not always an emergency, a crown falling out does require prompt professional attention for several important reasons:

Protecting the Exposed Tooth

The tooth under a crown has been shaped and prepared for the restoration, meaning it has less structure and protection than a natural, intact tooth. Without the crown, this tooth is vulnerable to:

• Bacterial invasion leading to decay
• Fracture or breakage
• Shifting of adjacent teeth into the space
• Sensitivity and discomfort

Preventing Infection

If decay or a crack was responsible for the crown falling out, bacteria may have already invaded the tooth. Prompt treatment can prevent these issues from developing into painful infections that might require root canal therapy or even extraction.

Maintaining Proper Bite Alignment

Teeth naturally shift when given space. When a crown falls out, adjacent teeth can begin moving, potentially creating bite problems that extend beyond the single tooth. The sooner your crown is replaced, the less likely you’ll experience these secondary complications.

Maximizing Reuse Potential

In some cases, if you seek treatment quickly, your existing crown can be thoroughly cleaned and reattached, saving you the cost and time of having a new crown fabricated. However, this option becomes less viable the longer you wait.

What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment

When you visit Haight Family Dentistry after a crown falling out, here’s what typically happens:

Examination and Assessment

Your dentist will thoroughly examine:

• The condition of your crown
• The underlying tooth structure
• Whether decay or other issues caused the crown to fail
• The fit of the crown if it’s being considered for reuse

X-Rays

X-rays may be taken to check for:

• Decay under the crown
• Root issues not visible to the naked eye
• Bone health around the tooth
• Fractures or cracks in the tooth structure

Treatment Options

Based on the examination, your dentist will recommend one of several approaches:

Crown Recementation

If your original crown is intact and still fits properly, and if the underlying tooth remains structurally sound, your dentist may simply clean both surfaces thoroughly and recement the existing crown. This is the quickest and most cost-effective solution.

New Crown Fabrication

If your crown is damaged or the underlying tooth has changed shape due to decay or fracture, a new crown may be necessary. This typically requires:

• Removing any decay
• Rebuilding the tooth structure if needed (with filling material)
• Taking new impressions
• Placing a temporary crown
• Returning for a second appointment to receive the permanent crown

Additional Procedures

In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary before a new crown can be placed:

• Root canal therapy if decay has reached the nerve
• Gum treatment if periodontal issues are present
• Buildup procedures if insufficient tooth structure remains

Prevention: Reducing the Risk of a Crown Falling Out

While not all instances of a crown falling out can be prevented, these strategies can significantly reduce your risk:

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily and floss carefully around crowned teeth to prevent decay at the margins where the crown meets your natural tooth.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about a nightguard to protect your dental work.

Avoid Problematic Foods

Minimize your consumption of:

• Extremely sticky foods like caramels and taffy
• Very hard items like ice and hard candies
• Chewy foods that could grip and pull at crowns

Attend Regular Checkups

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to check the integrity of your crowns and catch potential issues before the crown fails completely.

Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

Don’t use your teeth (especially crowned teeth) to open packages, cut thread, or hold objects.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Crowns

The urgency and approach when a crown falls out may vary slightly depending on the type of crown you have:

Temporary Crown Falling Out

If you’re between appointments and your temporary crown falls out, this is somewhat more urgent because:

• The prepared tooth is more vulnerable than one that had a permanent crown
• The space can close quickly as teeth shift
• Your comfort may be significantly affected

Contact your dentist immediately, as they can usually replace a temporary crown quickly, often the same day.

Implant Crown Falling Out

An implant crown falling out might indicate an issue with:

• The abutment (connecting piece)
• The screw securing the crown
• The implant itself (less common)

This situation requires professional evaluation soon, though it’s rarely painful since there’s no exposed natural tooth underneath.

Front Tooth Crown Falling Out

While not necessarily more urgent from a medical perspective, a visible front tooth crown falling out has obvious aesthetic implications that may make it feel more emergency-like, especially before important social or professional events.

The Cost of Replacing a Fallen Crown

Financial considerations often influence how patients respond to a crown falling out. Understanding potential costs can help you plan accordingly:

Recementation of Existing Crown

This is typically the least expensive option, usually ranging from $100-$300 depending on your location and whether additional services like X-rays are needed.

New Crown Fabrication

If a new crown is necessary, costs vary based on:

• Material (porcelain, zirconia, gold, etc.)
• Location of the tooth
• Additional procedures needed
• Your geographical location

On average, a new crown may cost between $800-$1,500+ without insurance coverage.

Insurance Considerations

Many dental insurance plans cover crown replacement at 50-80% after deductibles, but may have waiting periods or frequency limitations. At Haight Family Dentistry, our team can help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.

Payment Options

For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, ask about:

• Payment plans
• Healthcare credit options
• Discount dental plans
• Cash discounts

When a Crown Falls Out While Traveling

A crown falling out during travel presents unique challenges. Here’s how to handle this situation:

Local Dental Care

Most dentists will accommodate emergency patients, even those from out of town. Search for “emergency dental care” in your location or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.

Communication with Your Regular Dentist

If possible, contact your regular dentist for guidance. They may be able to advise you on whether you need immediate care or can wait until you return home.

Travel Dental Insurance

Some travel insurance policies include dental coverage. Check your policy details if you have travel insurance.

Dental Schools and Clinics

University dental schools or community dental clinics often provide more affordable emergency care for situations like a crown falling out.

Temporary Solutions

Over-the-counter temporary dental cement can be especially valuable when traveling, providing a short-term solution until you return home or find local dental care.

Why Choose Haight Family Dentistry for Crown Emergencies

At Haight Family Dentistry in Plano, we understand the stress and discomfort that comes with a crown falling out. Here’s why our practice is well-equipped to handle your dental crown emergencies:

Emergency Appointments

We reserve time in our schedule specifically for urgent situations like a crown falling out, often accommodating patients the same day they call.

Comprehensive Care

Our approach includes:

• Thorough examination of the underlying cause
• Digital X-rays for precise diagnosis
• Multiple treatment options based on your specific situation
• Attention to both immediate concerns and long-term dental health

Advanced Technology

We utilize the latest dental technology for crown replacement, including:

• Digital impressions for greater comfort and accuracy
• Same-day crown capabilities in many cases
• High-quality materials for durability and aesthetics

Comfort-Focused Experience

We recognize that a crown falling out can be stressful, so we prioritize:

• Clear communication about treatment options
• Thorough pain management
• A gentle approach to treatment
• Calming office environment

Preventive Guidance

Beyond addressing the immediate issue of your crown falling out, we provide education on preventing future crown failures and protecting your overall oral health.

A crown falling out may or may not constitute a dental emergency depending on your specific circumstances, but it always requires prompt professional attention. By understanding the appropriate steps to take and seeking timely care, you can protect your tooth and resolve the issue with minimal complications.

If you experience a crown falling out, don’t hesitate to contact our office for guidance. Schedule Your Appointment at Haight Family Dentistry today, or call our emergency line if you’re experiencing significant pain or other urgent symptoms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a fallen crown, call Haight Family Dentistry at 972-527-5555.

Haight Family Dentistry
Providing comprehensive dental care, including crown emergencies, to Plano and surrounding communities
Call us: 972-527-5555