If your dental crown fell out, keep the crown safe, avoid chewing on the exposed tooth and contact a dentist promptly. The tooth may be sensitive or structurally weak, and only an examination can show whether the crown can be re-cemented or whether the tooth needs other treatment.
Written and dentally reviewed by Dr Manish Pandey, BDS, FAGE (Manipal University).
What to do immediately when a dental crown falls out
- Remove the crown from your mouth. Do not leave it loose where it could be swallowed or inhaled.
- Rinse it gently with clean water. Do not scrape, boil or disinfect it with bleach, peroxide or household chemicals.
- Store it safely. Put it in a clean, closed container and take it to your dental appointment.
- Look at the tooth without probing it. Do not use a pin, toothpick or instrument to remove cement.
- Call your dentist. Explain whether you have pain, swelling, bleeding, a broken tooth or a temporary crown that fell off.
A loose or lost crown is usually an urgent dental problem rather than a hospital emergency. However, severe swelling, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding or major facial injury needs emergency medical assessment.
Can you put the crown back yourself?
Do not force a crown onto the tooth. If it does not seat easily, if your bite feels wrong, or if part of the tooth appears to be inside the crown, keep it in a container and wait for dental care. Forcing it may damage the remaining tooth or create a choking risk.
A pharmacist may be able to advise about a temporary crown-repair product when dental care is not immediately available. Use only a product specifically made for temporary dental use and follow its directions. Never use superglue, nail glue, craft glue or household adhesive in the mouth. Temporary cement is not a substitute for a dental examination.
What can you eat while waiting for the dentist?
Choose soft foods and chew on the other side. Avoid hard, sticky and very chewy foods that could fracture the tooth or dislodge a loosely placed temporary repair. If the tooth is sensitive, avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods and drinks. Brush gently around the area with a soft toothbrush, but do not aggressively scrub an exposed or painful tooth.
Why did my dental crown fall out?
- The cement bond has weakened over time.
- Decay has developed beneath or around the crown.
- The supporting tooth or filling material has fractured.
- Sticky food has pulled at the restoration.
- Teeth grinding or a heavy bite has repeatedly stressed it.
- The crown no longer fits because the tooth or surrounding tissues have changed.
A crown coming off does not necessarily mean it was made incorrectly. The cause matters because simply re-cementing a crown over decay, a fracture or an unsuitable fit may delay necessary treatment.
Can the same crown be re-cemented?
Sometimes. A dentist may be able to clean and re-cement an intact crown when the remaining tooth is sound and the fit is still acceptable. A replacement crown may be needed if the restoration is damaged, the fit has changed or decay must be treated. If the supporting tooth has fractured deeply or the nerve is affected, treatment may include a new build-up, root canal treatment, crown replacement or—in some cases—removal of the tooth.
For related reading, see our comparison of zirconia and PFM crowns, guidance about cracked teeth, and information about dental crowns and MRI scans.
Temporary crown versus permanent crown
A temporary crown protects a prepared tooth while the final restoration is being made. It is normally held with weaker temporary cement, so it may dislodge more easily. A permanent crown coming off also needs timely assessment because the underlying tooth can move, become sensitive or suffer further damage. Tell the dental office which type you lost and when it happened.
When should you seek urgent help?
Arrange urgent dental advice if you have severe or worsening pain, facial swelling, fever, pus, a bad taste with illness, trauma, a sharp fractured tooth, or a crown that is loose enough to be swallowed. Seek emergency medical help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a serious facial injury.
How to reduce the chance of another lost crown
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the teeth.
- Attend examinations so decay at the crown margin can be detected.
- Avoid using crowned teeth to crack nuts, ice or hard objects.
- Discuss a protective night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.
- Report a crown that rocks, catches floss, smells unpleasant or feels different when biting.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lost dental crown an emergency?
If your dental crown fell out, it normally requires prompt dental advice, but not every case needs a hospital emergency department. Severe swelling, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma are emergency warning signs.
Can I leave a crown off for a week?
Do not assume it is safe to wait. The exposed tooth may be sensitive or weak, and teeth can shift. Contact a dentist as soon as practical for advice based on your symptoms and the tooth involved.
What if I swallowed the crown?
Contact a healthcare professional for advice. Seek urgent help if you are coughing, choking, wheezing, short of breath or think it entered the airway.
Can I sleep with a loose crown?
A very loose crown can detach and may be swallowed or inhaled. Contact a dentist for instructions rather than repeatedly pushing it back into place.
Why does the tooth look dark under the crown?
Colour alone cannot diagnose the cause. It may relate to the underlying tooth, restorative material, staining, decay or previous root canal treatment. A dentist needs to examine it.
Authoritative references
- MedlinePlus: Dental crowns
- NHS: Emergency and urgent dental appointments
- NHS pharmacy dental factsheet: Lost fillings or crowns
- American Dental Association: Wearing a crown
Dental disclaimer: This article provides general education and cannot diagnose why a crown came off. It does not replace an examination or personalised advice from your dentist. Do not use household glue or place medicine directly on the tooth.