Have you ever had a severely damaged or decayed tooth that couldn’t be fixed with a tooth-colored filling, or have you ever undergone a root canal? If so, there’s a good chance your dentist fitted you with a dental crown to protect it from potential harm while restoring its appearance and functionality.
Although these tooth-shaped caps can last 15+ years with the right care, they can become injured or dislodged and fall out under certain circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and what to do about it!
Why Did My Dental Crown Fall Off?
These tooth-shaped caps are made from resilient porcelain that resists chips, cracks, and stains. They’re usually known for their durability, so if you’ve realized that yours has fallen out, it’s natural to wonder why.
Some potential causes behind a dislodged dental crown can include:
- Tooth decay. The ceramic can’t get cavities but bacteria in your mouth can penetrate the underlying tooth, leaving your crown without enough to hold on to.
- Eroded cement. If the bonding material holding it in place weakens, it’s more likely to come loose.
- Improper fit. If your restoration doesn’t fit correctly, germs can more easily infiltrate the underlying tooth and gums.
- Physical damage. If you sustain an injury or grind your teeth, you might crack or fracture your prosthetic.
How Should I Handle a Lost Dental Crown?
If your dental crown is newer and still in relatively good shape, there’s a chance your dentist might be able to reattach it successfully. Either way, it can be helpful to bring it with you, so try to find your lost restoration. Keep in mind that pieces may still be in your mouth if it fractured, so be careful not to swallow them.
Then, rinse it gently to remove and germs, dirt, or debris. If there are no jagged edges and it feels safe to try to put it back over your tooth, you can temporarily hold it in place with a dab of toothpaste to create a light suction. Otherwise, store it in a baggy or airtight container to bring with you to your appointment.
Then, call your dentist. They’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you and may provide additional care instructions over the phone, like avoiding chewing anything on that side of your mouth and being cautious when brushing your teeth.
Once your dentist examines your condition, they’ll let you know whether they can repurpose the existing crown, replace it with a new one, or consider some other solution, like extraction and replacement.
Meet the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice enjoys establishing lasting relationships with patients to help them maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Dental School, and is committed to continuing education to hone his skills. He provides a full menu of services using state-of-the-art equipment to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you have a lost or loose dental crown, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (210) 903-5565.