A dental crown is designed to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth, but like anything else in dentistry, even the most secure crown can eventually fall off. Whether it happens while eating or brushing, a dental crown fall can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis.
At R+R Dental, we understand how unexpected dental issues can disrupt your life. That’s why we offer fast, reliable crown repair and replacement services in Hicksville and the surrounding areas, including Levittown, NY. If your crown falls, here’s everything you need to know about what to do, how to protect your tooth, and how to prevent future problems.
First Things First: Stay Calm
When a dental crown falls, your first instinct might be to panic, but take a deep breath and stay calm. While it may feel like an emergency, most crown-related dental emergencies can be managed without pain or long-term complications if you act quickly and correctly.
Immediate Steps to Take If a Crown Falls Off
If your crown falls, here’s what you should do right away:
Retrieve the Crown
Gently remove the crown from your mouth and rinse it with warm water. Be careful not to drop it or damage it further. If you can’t find it, there’s a chance you may have accidentally swallowed it. While not ideal, most swallowed crowns pass without issue; simply notify your dentist during your next visit.
If you do recover the crown, place it in a plastic bag or small container to bring with you to your appointment. Keeping it clean and safe increases the chance that your dentist may be able to reuse the existing crown.
Inspect the Area
Look at both the exposed tooth and the fallen crown. If the underlying tooth is sensitive, cracked, or has sharp edges, avoid touching or chewing with that side of your mouth. If the crown appears intact, there’s a possibility it can be re-cemented.
Check the inside of the crown for any remaining cement or fragments; this can help your dentist determine whether a simple reattachment is possible or if a new crown is needed. If you notice signs of tooth decay or damage to the tooth inside, avoid eating until you’ve spoken with your dentist to prevent further complications.
Call Your Dentist
Your next step should be to contact your dentist as soon as possible. At R+R Dental, we offer emergency dental appointments to help temporarily protect or permanently fix your tooth. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the better your chances of avoiding further complications.
Waiting too long can lead to increased sensitivity, tooth decay, or damage to the underlying tooth structure. Our team is prepared to guide you through the next steps over the phone and ensure you’re seen quickly, even the same day when possible.
Protect the Tooth
In the meantime, try one of these temporary solutions:
- Use temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to secure the crown back in place, only if you’re confident it fits properly.
- If the tooth inside is sharp or exposed, cover it with dental wax or temporary crown material.
- Rinse the area with warm salt water to keep it clean and reduce inflammation.
Don’t use superglue or household adhesives, as they aren’t safe for the mouth and can damage the tooth or make it harder to reattach the existing crown. You should also avoid chewing on the affected side and stick to soft foods to prevent further damage until your dental appointment. These simple precautions can temporarily protect the area and keep you more comfortable.
Why Do Dental Crowns Fall Off?
There are several common reasons why a crown falls:
- Tooth Decay: Decay around the edges of the underlying tooth can cause the crown to loosen or detach entirely.
- Deteriorated Dental Cement: Over time, the dental cement that holds your crown in place may wear down, particularly if it’s exposed to tough foods or inconsistent oral hygiene practices.
- Sticky or Hard Foods: Chewing on sticky or hard foods, such as caramel, gum, or ice, can dislodge the crown or break the seal. Soft foods are ideal for maintaining the health of your crowns.
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism) places extra stress on your dental restorations, potentially leading to their premature failure. If left untreated, this can weaken or shift the crown.
- Traumatic Injury: A fall or impact to the face may result in a dental emergency, including a dislodged crown from a tooth.
What Not to Do
If your dental crown falls, here are a few things to avoid until you see your dentist:
- Don’t chew on the affected side
- Avoid cold foods, hot drinks, and certain foods that might irritate the exposed tooth
- Don’t attempt to reattach the crown with anything other than temporary dental cement
- Refrain from flossing near the area to prevent further damage
Additionally, steer clear of sticky or hard foods, which can put pressure on the underlying tooth and cause further discomfort. Taking these precautions can help you avoid a dental emergency and make it easier for your dentist to successfully restore your crown when you come in for your appointment.
How to Prevent a Crown from Falling Off Again
While no restoration lasts forever, there are several ways to extend the life of your dental crown and avoid chewing mishaps that cause dislodgement:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily, floss carefully around the crown, and consider using an interdental brush for hard-to-reach areas.
- Avoid Tough and Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, ice, and hard foods can loosen or damage most crowns, especially those that are aging or weakened.
- Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom night guard to protect your crown and surrounding natural teeth.
- Keep Up With Regular Dental Checkups: Your dentist can catch early signs of tooth decay, cement erosion, or other problems before they become more severe. At R+R Dental, our team provides comprehensive preventive care and gentle monitoring of your dental restorations during every routine checkup.
R+R Dental’s Crown Repair and Replacement Services
At R+R Dental, we offer expert care for lost, damaged, or aging crowns. Our Hicksville and Levittown office locations are fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including 3D scanning and digital imaging, allowing us to quickly assess the issue and restore your smile with precision and care.
What We Offer:
- Same-day emergency dental appointments
- Temporary crowns to protect your tooth while we create your new crown
- Full crown replacement using durable, aesthetic materials
- Root canal therapy, if the underlying tooth requires treatment before restoration
- Guidance on care and maintenance to reduce future incidents
Our compassionate dental team will walk you through every step, keeping your oral health and comfort at the center of your treatment. We understand that dental issues can be inconvenient and stressful, which is why we strive to make your experience as smooth as possible.
When to Consider Replacing Your Crown
Sometimes, a crown that has fallen off may not be salvageable. If the existing crown is damaged, doesn’t fit well, or the tooth inside has changed shape due to decay or wear, our dentists may recommend a new crown.
Common signs you may need a replacement include:
- Cracks or visible wear in the crown
- Discomfort or shifting after reattachment
- Repeated crown falls despite proper care
Our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth and protect your long-term oral health. Whether that means repairing your current crown or creating a new one, you can trust R+R Dental to provide top-tier care.
Trust R+R Dental to Protect Your Smile
A dental crown falling off can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a major setback. With the right response and help from the trusted professionals at R+R Dental, you can restore your smile quickly and confidently.
We proudly serve patients from Hicksville, Levittown, and throughout Long Island, offering fast, reliable care when you need it most. Our team values your time, your comfort, and your protected health information, and we treat every patient with respect, transparency, and compassion.
If your crown falls off, call your dentist immediately. We’re here to help. Schedule an emergency appointment or contact our office to learn more about our crown repair and replacement services. Your smile deserves the very best, and at R+R Dental, that’s exactly what we deliver.
