Dental crowns are an easy and effective way to restore the appearance of a single tooth that has been damaged somehow. A crown is essentially just a cap that’s placed over a damaged tooth and is able to enhance it aesthetically. Below we cover what to do if your dental crown comes loose.
However, like many dental fixtures, these crowns tend to come loose from time to time. If they do, it’s good to stay apprised of what to do if this happens to you.
What to Do If Your Dental Crown Comes Loose
If you have a crown installed and are worried that it’s coming loose, take a look at this guide for the steps you should take to handle the situation properly.
How Do Dental Crowns Come Loose?
Dental crowns come loose in many of the same ways that regular teeth become damaged. Teeth can be subjected to lots of stress, and anything from grinding your teeth to sudden impacts can cause one’s teeth to come loose.
Another primary cause of dental crowns coming loose is tooth decay. When a tooth has a cavity, its structure becomes less sturdy. Eating too many sugary foods can contribute quite heavily to the denigration of one’s teeth and crowns. Sometimes, the dental cement that holds the crown to the rest of the teeth also becomes weak.
Sometimes, dental crowns are affected by a variety of factors. You can discover how your crown has been affected by your habits when you step into the dentist’s office.
Signs of a Loose Dental Crown
If you begin to feel strange sensations or pain in your affected tooth or feel the crown moving, you may have a dental crown that’s coming loose. Another sign that indicates that your dental crown is becoming looser is sensations of sudden sensitivity to temperature or certain foods.
If you start to feel like you have a loose dental crown, try to have the issue addressed right away. Prior to your appointment, try to avoid touching and wiggling the crown as much as possible. This is because this can possibly damage the crown. Stay away from overly sticky or sugary foods – instead, opt for store-bought pain relievers.
What to Do If Your Crown Falls Out
If you have a crown that falls out, try to find it right away, give it a rinse, and take it to your dentist. If your crown is undamaged, your dentist can likely put it back into place quite easily. Avoid some of the same types of foods listed above until the area is cleaned with an antiseptic rinse.
In general, loose dental crowns are considered one of the easier fixes in dental health. Most patients who come in looking for treatment are able to have their crowns successfully reinstalled.
Treating Loose Crowns
The dentist first removes the loose crown. After that, the tooth will be examined. If the tooth is broken or severely damaged, the dentist will apply a filling material to it. Then, a temporary crown will be installed while a new crown is made.
If the crown is relatively undamaged, and the tooth beneath it is in good condition, a dentist can reapply it quite easily. If the crown is damaged, it can’t be put back into place, and your dentist will need to create an entirely new dental crown.
During the process of replacing your loose crown, your dentist will also be able to observe the health of the other aspects of your dental health. This may lead to other procedures being performed depending on the situation.
Preventing Loose Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are generally thought of as very durable. However, the cement that holds them is slightly less so and can only hold for so long. Older crowns will need to be re-cemented at some point, even if it doesn’t seem like your crown isn’t loose. In general, it is recommended that you avoid many of the same foods and habits previously listed to avoid damaging your crown.
In addition, maintaining tip-top dental health will help you get the most out of your crowns. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth, your dentist might recommend using a mouth guard.
Your Resource for Dental Crowns
The Jesmine Boghawala DDS is one of the top resources in Southern California for quality dental work. If you’re interested in talking with a general dentist about your dental crown or an upcoming procedure, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
