Can a Crown Fall Out? And What Should You Do If It Does?

January 26, 2023

Dental crowns are typically made from porcelain ceramic and designed to cover and protect teeth that have received a large filling, root canal, or a dental bridge [1]. Made to look just like your natural teeth, dental crowns are an excellent and versatile restoration for many patients and their smiles. Even though porcelain crowns are durable, they can fall out under certain circumstances.

So why would a dental crown fall out, and what should you do if it does? We have your answers here!

Common Reasons Why a Crown May Fall Out

It’s rare that a dental crown would fall out, but it can and does happen. There are few common reasons why a crown may fall out, including:

Improper bonding. If the crown was not properly bonded to your tooth to begin with, it may become loose and fall out over time.
Using teeth as tools. Using your teeth to open packages, chew on ice or pens, or crack nut shells can cause damage to dental crowns that may lead to them falling out.
Tooth decay underneath the crown. If your natural tooth has a cavity underneath the crown, it can weaken the bond between the tooth and the crown and fall out.
Teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can cause complications in teeth that have dental restorations such as crowns, potentially leading to crowns becoming damaged or loose [2].

Regular checkups with your dentist can ensure that your crowns are healthy and in good condition to prevent them from suddenly falling out.

What to Do If Your Crown Has Fallen Out

If your dental crown has fallen out, don’t panic. If you can, collect your crown or any pieces of the crown and put them in a container with you to bring to the dentist.

Your next step is to contact your dentist. While a dental crown that has fallen out may not be a dental emergency, it’s still important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Contact your dentist and let them know what happened and ask how soon they can see you.

In the meantime, keep your mouth clean by gently brushing around the area where the crown was. You should also avoid biting chewing on the side of your mouth where the crown was, and avoid sticky or hard-to-chew foods to protect your smile, as the tooth the crown was protecting will be more sensitive and fragile compared to your other teeth [3].

Your dentist may be able to reinstall your original crown, or you may need a new restoration. If you need a new restoration, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to wear in the meantime.

Has Your Dental Crown Fallen Out?

It’s rare for dental crowns to fall out, but if your crown has become loose or fallen out, don’t wait to contact your dentist. A crown is meant to protect your teeth and enhance your appearance, so getting it replaced as soon as possible is essential!