Yes, dental crowns can come off, although they are sturdy and generally last for many years. Usually, 95% of crowns last for at least five years, with some standing strong for 15-20 years. However, there are some common reasons that crowns fall out, including:
- Weakening of the dental cement due to chewing and fluids in the mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Tooth decay
- Eating habits that involve very hard or sticky foods
- Diminished underlying tooth structure
There are signs of a loose crown that you should be aware of. If you have sensitivity, discomfort, or pain coming from your crown, it’s possible that the crown is actually loose. If your crown moves around when you touch, that’s a definite sign that it’s loose. A crown that’s visibly chipped or cracked is compromised and needs to be looked at by a dentist. If you feel pain or discomfort when biting into food, that is another sign that your crown may be loose.
If your crown does fall out, what should you do? First of all, stay calm! There are several things you can do. First, if you haven’t already, try to find the crown if you can. If possible, don’t touch the inner surface that sits on your tooth. Call your dentist ASAP! It depends on what exactly has happened to your crown, but your dentist may be able to re-cement it.
You should also protect the exposed tooth, since nothing is covering it after the crown comes off. You can put a small piece of sugar-free gum over that tooth. But, DO NOT chew the gum on the exposed tooth.
If Your Crown Has Fallen Off, Let Us Help!
If you have a dental crown in Vallejo, CA, and it’s fallen off. Give us a call, and we can help you remedy the situation.