Is a Falling Crown a Dental Emergency?

Is Falling Crown A Dental Emergency?

Dental crowns or tooth caps are common dental restorations used to strengthen, protect, and improve the aesthetics of a weakened tooth due to decay or damage. While a dental crown is permanently attached to your tooth with a strong dental cement or screw, sometimes it can loosen or fall off, causing discomfort and exposing your tooth to further infections and fractures.

Most people are often confused about the urgency of seeking emergency care regarding a fallen crown. This article will explore the potential causes, consequences, and actions to take to handle your situation.

What is a dental crown?

A tooth crown is a custom-made cap that encases the visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, size, function, and appearance. Dental crowns contain ceramic, gold, porcelain, and composite materials. A dental crown can last 10 – 15 years or longer with proper oral habits and maintenance.

Reasons for a falling crown Factors that can cause your crown to loosen or fall off include: •

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Tooth decay. Tooth decay or infection in the underlying tooth structure can weaken the bond between the tooth and crown, causing it to become loose or dislodged.

Improper installation. If a crown isn’t properly cemented or bonded, the crown may not have a secure fit and can loosen or fall off.

Injury or trauma. Oral injuries or accidents can cause your crown to chip, crack, loosen, and dislodge.

Natural wear and tear. Over time, the crown or cement can wear down or weaken due to regular chewing, causing your crown to loosen or fall.

Tooth grinding. Bruxism can exert excessive pressure on the crown, causing it to loosen or dislodge.

Improper bite. A poor bite can cause an imbalance of bite forces, causing too much pressure on the crown, causing it to loosen or dislodge.

Too many sticky foods. Chewing sticky foods like candy can pull out the crown, gradually loosening your crown. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy items to keep your crown in good condition.

Consequences of a Falling Crown

Unfortunately, a loose or fallen-off crown can result in several potential consequences, including: •

• • •

Tooth sensitivity. A loose or fallen crown can expose the sensitive parts of the tooth to external factors like heat, cold, and pressure, resulting in sensitivity.

Increased risk of damage. Without the crown’s protection, the underlying tooth is susceptible to further damage like decay and fractures.

Impaired bite function. A missing or loose crown can affect your bite function and cause difficulty eating.

Aesthetics concerns. A missing or dislodged can impact the aesthetics of your smile, especially if it’s on the front tooth.

Is your crown loose or fallen? Contact our emergency dentist in North Brunswick, NJ, for prompt treatment.

Is it a Dental Emergency?

Whether a falling crown causes a dental emergency or not depends on several factors, like: •

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Pain or discomfort. If the fallen crown causes severe pain or discomfort, it is considered a dental emergency, and you should seek dental care immediately. Our dentist at 08902 will alleviate the discomfort and restore the crown to prevent further discomfort and complications.

Bleeding. Dental trauma can cause bleeding in the soft tissues around a fallen crown. Contact our North Brunswick dentist for immediate dental attention if the bleeding persists or worsens.

Infection. Visit a dental clinic for immediate care if you notice symptoms like pus, bad breath, and swelling. Prompt treatment is essential to address the infection and prevent further infections.

You may not need emergency care if your fallen crown doesn’t cause significant symptoms. However, scheduling an appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible is essential to replace or reattach the crown to prevent further complications.

What to Do If Your Crown Falls Off If your dental crown falls off, here are some actions you can take as you want for professional care:

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Retrieve the crown. If the crown is still intact and isn’t that damaged, carefully rinse it and preserve it in a clean, safe container.

Rinse your mouth. Gently rinse with warm water to remove any bacteria or debris. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or crown.

Avoid chewing or biting. Refrain from chewing or biting with the exposed tooth to prevent further discomfort or damage.

Temporary solutions. You can use a dental adhesive or temporary dental cement to reattach the crown.

Visit our dental office for Dental Crowns Do you have a loose or fallen crown? Contact KK Dental – North Brunswick for emergency dental care.