Fallen Out Dental Crown

loose or missing dental crown, toronto dentist

What Is A Fallen Out Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is placed over a tooth to protect it and restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are typically made of materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal, and are designed to last for many years with proper care. They are bonded to the tooth using a special dental cement.

However, sometimes a crown uncement and fall out of the mouth. This can be a worrisome experience, and you may be concerned about tooth discomfort, sensitivity and the possibility of damage to the underlying tooth structure. A fallen out dental crown is a common dental issue that can often be easily fixed. 

Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine Fallen Out Dental Crown, there are some things you should know as a patient:

If you have questions about Fallen Out Dental Crown or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.

Why Do I Have A Fallen Out Dental Crown?

There are several reasons why a dental crown may become loose or fall out, including:

  • Tooth decay: If there is decay underneath the crown, it can weaken the tooth’s structure and cause the crown to loosen or fall off.
  • Trauma or injury: A blow to the mouth or face can cause a crown to become dislodged.
  • Wear and tear: Over time, the cement that holds the crown in place can weaken, causing the crown to loosen or fall out.
  • Teeth grinding or clenching: Excessive grinding or clenching of teeth can cause the crown to become loose or even break.
  • Poor fit: If the crown is not properly fitted or if the cement used to secure it was not strong enough, it may become loose or fall out.

It is important to note that if you have a fallen out dental crown, you should not attempt to re-cement it yourself because a special dental adhesive is required and professional care is needed to ensure the crown is glued on correctly. If you have further questions about a Fallen Out Dental Crown, please contact us.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Fallen Out Dental Crown

If you have a fallen out dental crown, you may experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Exposed tooth structure: You may notice that the tooth underneath the crown is now visible.
  • Sensitivity: You may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
  • Pain: You may experience pain or discomfort when eating or drinking.
  • Difficulty chewing: You may find it difficult to chew or bite down properly.
  • Bad taste or odor: You may notice a bad taste or odor coming from the affected area.

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection to the exposed tooth. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms related to a Fallen Out Dental Crown, please contact us.

Treatment Options For A Fallen Out Dental Crown

If you have a fallen out dental crown, there are several treatment options available to restore the tooth, including:

  • Recementing the crown: In most cases, the dentist may be able to re-cement the crown back onto the tooth. This involves cleaning the crown and the tooth, applying new dental cement, and carefully placing the crown back into position.
  • Creating a new crown: If the old crown is damaged or cannot be re-cemented, a new crown will need to be made to replace it.
  • Root canal therapy: If the tooth underneath the crown is decayed or damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary to clean out the infected nerve space inside the tooth before a new crown can be placed.
  • Extraction: In rare cases where the tooth or crown cannot be saved, your dentist may need to extract the tooth and discuss replacement options, such as a dental implant or dental bridge.

The best treatment option will depend on the specific situation and the extent of the damage. It is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate course of action. If you have further questions about treatment options for a Fallen Out Dental Crown, please contact us.

porcelain fused to metal dental crown

How To Prevent A Dental Crown From Falling Out

Although a fallen out dental crown can be treated, it is always better to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent a dental crown from falling out:

  • Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the dental crown clean can help prevent further tooth decay and other unwanted complications. Brush and floss gently around the crown daily. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and prevent damage to your dental crown.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods: Chewing on hard or sticky foods can put undue stress on the crown and cause it to become dislodged.
  • Attend regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help identify any issues with your dental crown early on and prevent them from becoming more serious.

By following these preventive measures, you can help ensure that your dental crown remains in place and avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of a fallen out dental crown. If you have further questions about preventing a Dental Crown from falling out, please contact us.

Managing A Fallen Out Dental Crown Until You Can See The Dentist

If you have a fallen out dental crown and are unable to see a dentist right away, here are some tips to help manage the situation:

  • Keep the crown in a safe place: Oftentimes the dentist can recement the fallen out crown, so place the crown in a bag and keep it in a safe place. Do not forget to bring it with you to your dental appointment.
  • Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the exposed tooth as clean as possible can help prevent further tooth decay and other unwanted complications. Brush and floss gently around the exposed tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
  • Avoid eating hard or sticky foods: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. If the tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold, it is best to eat lukewarm food and drink for the time being.
  • Use a temporary dental cement: Temporary dental cement can be purchased at most drugstores and can be used to temporarily re-cement the crown onto the tooth until you can see a dentist.
  • Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen), can help relieve tooth pain or tooth sensitivity from a loose dental crown. Follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from taking either ibuprofen or acetaminophen, the absolute maximum dose that I recommend patients take for the worst dental pain is 600 mg ibuprofen combined with 1000 mg acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours.

It is important to remember that these are temporary measures and should not replace professional dental care. It is best to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage or infection. If you have further questions about a Fallen Out Dental Crown, please contact us.