If your crown fell off, keep it somewhere safe, protect the tooth underneath and call your dentist to have it checked within a day or two. A loose crown is rarely a hospital emergency, but the sooner it’s seen, the better the chance it can be cemented back on rather than replaced.
This article covers what to do in the next few hours and days. For pain, swelling or injuries, see what counts as a dental emergency.
What to do right away
- Take the crown out of your mouth straight away so you don’t swallow or inhale it. If it’s only partly loose, avoid chewing on it and call your dentist.
- Rinse the crown gently with water and store it in a clean, sealed container or zip-lock bag. Don’t throw it out, even if it looks damaged.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salty water and gently brush the tooth underneath to clear food.
- Look at the tooth. If a large piece of tooth came away inside the crown, or there’s a post attached to it, don’t try to refit it yourself. Keep any separate broken piece of tooth in milk or saline.
- Call your dentist and bring the crown to your appointment.
What if I swallowed the crown?
A swallowed crown usually passes through the digestive system within a few days without causing harm. Let your dentist know, as a new crown will be needed.
It’s different if the crown may have gone down the wrong way. If you have coughing that won’t settle, wheezing, chest pain or any difficulty breathing after losing a crown, see a doctor straight away, as an inhaled crown needs to be found and removed. Call 000 if breathing is difficult.
When to go to hospital instead
Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth, bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure, a possible broken jaw, or a knock to the head with loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion. Out of hours, healthdirect on 1800 022 222 offers 24/7 nurse advice.
Can I put the crown back on myself?
Sometimes you can hold the crown in place for a few days with temporary dental cement from a pharmacy. This is a short-term fix only. It’s only suitable if the crown is intact and the tooth underneath isn’t broken or painful.
- Check the fit first without any cement. The crown should slide on easily and your bite should feel normal. If it doesn’t sit properly, stop.
- Scrape any old cement out of the crown with a toothpick, then gently clean the tooth and dry it with gauze.
- Place a small amount of temporary cement inside the crown, following the pack instructions.
- Seat the crown, bite gently on gauze for a few minutes, and wipe away any excess.
- Avoid chewing on that side and see your dentist within a few days.
Never use superglue or household glue. These products aren’t made for use in the mouth, can irritate the gum and tooth, may set the crown in the wrong position and can make it much harder for your dentist to clean and refit. Don’t force a crown on either, as this can crack the crown or the tooth.
Looking after the exposed tooth
The tooth under a crown has been shaped down, so it may feel rough, sharp or sensitive to hot, cold and sweet foods. A tooth that has had root canal therapy may not feel anything, but it still needs protecting. Until your appointment:
- chew on the other side and avoid sticky or hard foods
- choose lukewarm rather than very hot or cold drinks
- brush gently and keep the area clean, as the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay
- cover a sharp edge with dental wax from a pharmacy
- take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, if it’s safe for you
If the tooth becomes very painful, you notice swelling or a pimple on the gum, or a front crown has come off and you’re worried about how it looks, tell us when you call so we can plan your visit.
Why do crowns come loose?
- The cement wears away. Over many years, the seal between crown and tooth can break down.
- Decay under the crown. Bacteria can get in at the edge where the crown meets the tooth, softening the tooth so the crown loses its grip.
- The tooth underneath breaks. Sometimes the core of the tooth fractures and comes out with the crown.
- Sticky or hard foods. Toffee, chewy lollies and ice can pull or knock a crown loose.
- Grinding and clenching. Heavy forces, often at night, can stress the cement over time.
- It was a temporary crown. These are designed to come off easily, so they are more likely to loosen before your final crown is fitted.
An implant crown that feels loose is often caused by a loosened screw rather than failed cement. Don’t try to glue it. Your dentist can check the implant and tighten or refit the crown.
My crown fell off: what happens at the appointment?
We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. Contact our emergency dentist in North Sydney sooner if the tooth is painful or broken. At our North Sydney practice, your dentist will examine the tooth and the crown, and may take an X-ray to check for decay or cracks. Depending on what they find, options may include:
- re-cementing the original crown, if both it and the tooth are sound
- removing decay and rebuilding the tooth before fitting a new crown
- root canal therapy, if the nerve is inflamed or infected
- removing the tooth if it can’t be restored, then discussing replacement options such as a bridge or implant
You can read more about crowns and bridges on our website. Your dentist will explain the options, likely costs and any risks before treatment starts. Cost depends on whether the crown can be reused and what the tooth needs. See our price guide or ask about payment plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is it an emergency if my crown fell off?
It is usually not a hospital emergency, but you should call your dentist within a day or two. See a dentist sooner if the tooth is painful, broken or swollen.
Can I glue my crown back on with superglue?
No. Superglue and household glues aren’t made for use in the mouth and can damage the tooth, gum and crown. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy is a short-term option if the crown fits easily.
What if I swallowed my crown?
A swallowed crown usually passes without harm within a few days. If you are coughing, wheezing or having trouble breathing, it may have been inhaled, so seek medical help urgently.
Can the same crown be put back on?
Often, yes, if the crown is undamaged and the tooth underneath is healthy. If there is decay or a fracture, a new crown or other treatment may be needed.
Need help now?
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.