My Crown Fell Off — Is This a Dental Emergency?

If your dental crown has fallen out and you’re wondering if it’s a dental emergency, it’s understandable why you might feel a little panicked. The good news is that dental crowns can be repaired or replaced here at Preva Dental.

Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and the Preva Dental team reserve appointments daily for issues like this. Don’t hesitate to call us if you’re worried about a dental crown. 

In the meantime, read more about what you should do immediately after your crown falls out and if it’s a dental emergency.

Is a damaged crown a dental emergency?

When a crown falls out, you may or may not experience pain. The level of discomfort depends on several factors:

If your nerves are exposed

If the tooth underneath your crown is still healthy and intact, you might not feel any pain, though the area could be sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure. However, if the tooth is decayed, damaged, or has exposed nerves, it can be pretty painful.

Exposing your tooth and tooth roots can also increase the risk of bacteria entering your tooth. For this reason, it’s best not to postpone dental care. 

If your gums are affected

When the crown falls off, the gums around the crowned tooth may feel irritated or sensitive, especially if it was loose for a while before coming off completely.

If there is trauma

If your crown came off due to trauma or biting down on something hard, you might experience pain from the impact itself, as well as from any damage to the tooth or surrounding tissue. Trauma to the area places damaged crowns in the “dental emergency” category. 

What to do after your crown falls out

Even if there's no pain, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is vital to protect the underlying tooth and prevent further issues.

Here’s what to do next:

Assess the situation

Take a few deep breaths if you’re feeling panicky. This can help calm you down and shift you out of flight-or-fight mode (a normal response to high stress). 

If you're in significant pain, the tooth underneath the crown may be exposed or damaged, which could require immediate attention. 

If your crown has come off due to trauma (such as a blow to the face), or if you notice any swelling or signs of infection, it's best to contact Dr. Rasamsetty right away. 

Call us

Professional dental care is needed to repair or replace your crown because your underlying tooth is now vulnerable to decay, damage, and sensitivity. Call our San Antonio, Texas, office and let us know what happened. We may advise you to come in right away, but if you have other injuries, Dr. Rasamsetty may suggest you visit the emergency room first.

Protect your crown

When your crown falls off, you should first try to find the crown and keep it safe. Rinse it gently with water; if possible, try to place it back over the tooth to protect it. You can use a bit of dental adhesive or even toothpaste to temporarily hold it in place. However, avoid using any strong glues because these can damage both the crown and the underlying tooth.

While waiting for your dental appointment, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the crown fell off to prevent further damage. Stick to soft foods, and maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing the area around the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort if the tooth is sensitive.

Arrive for your emergency dental visit

When you arrive for your appointment, Dr. Ramamsetty can evaluate the situation and determine whether the crown can be re-cemented or if a new one needs to be made.

Experiencing a dental emergency? We can help

Whether your dental crown has fallen out or if the crown supporting your bridge is damaged, we can help. Call us at 210-791-7826, or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment for less urgent matters.