Having a dental crown come off unexpectedly while eating can be alarming, especially if it happens during a meal. Crowns are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth, and when they come off, they leave the underlying tooth exposed, which can lead to pain, sensitivity, and further damage if not handled properly. Its important to stay calm and act quickly to minimize any further discomfort or damage until you can see your dentist.
In this blog, well walk you through the immediate steps you should take if your crown comes off mid-meal, including what you can do to protect the tooth and relieve discomfort temporarily.
Why Do Crowns Come Off?
There are several reasons why a dental crown might come off unexpectedly:
Decay or Damage Underneath the Crown: The tooth underneath the crown may have weakened over time due to decay, which can cause the bond between the crown and the tooth to fail.
Poor Bonding: Sometimes, the bonding agent used to attach the crown may wear off or weaken, leading to the crown loosening or coming off.
Wear and Tear: Crowns, like other dental restorations, can wear down over time due to daily use, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects.
Accidental Trauma: Eating something hard or sticky, such as candy, ice, or nuts, can cause the crown to detach.
Regardless of the cause, a loose or missing crown requires prompt attention to avoid further damage to the tooth underneath.
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Crown Comes Off Mid-Meal
If your crown comes off while youre eating, follow these steps to minimize damage and discomfort:
1. Stay Calm and Remove the Crown
The first thing you should do is remove the crown gently if it hasnt already fallen out completely. If the crown is still partially attached, avoid trying to force it back into place, as this could cause further damage to the crown or the underlying tooth.
Inspect the Crown: Check the crown for any visible damage, such as cracks or chips. If the crown looks intact, you may be able to reattach it temporarily (with care).
Keep the Crown Safe: Place the crown in a safe, clean container, such as a small plastic bag or a dental case, until you can take it to the dentist for reattachment.
2. Examine the Tooth Underneath the Crown
Once the crown is removed, examine the underlying tooth for any visible damage or sharp edges. A crown that has come off often exposes the underlying tooth, which can be sensitive or vulnerable.
Check for Pain: If the tooth is sensitive to air or touch, or if you see exposed nerves, its important to avoid further irritation.
Protect the Tooth: If the tooth underneath is exposed and sensitive, you can temporarily protect it with dental wax or a temporary dental cement available from most drugstores. Dont attempt to use superglue or other non-dental adhesives, as these can cause harm and worsen the situation.
3. Clean the Crown and Tooth
Before doing anything else, its important to clean both the crown and the exposed tooth to prevent infection or irritation.
Clean the Crown: Gently rinse the crown with warm water to remove any food particles, debris, or plaque. Dont scrub the crown aggressively, as this could damage it.
Clean the Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water or a mild saltwater solution to clean the exposed tooth and reduce the risk of infection.
4. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
Until you can see your dentist, avoid chewing or biting on the side where the crown has come off. Eating on the affected side can cause discomfort, or worse, additional damage to the exposed tooth.
Soft Foods Only: If youre hungry, stick to soft foods and liquids that dont require chewing, such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. Avoid chewing on hard foods, like nuts, popcorn, or candy.
5. Temporarily Reattach the Crown (If Safe to Do So)
In some cases, you may be able to temporarily reattach the crown to the tooth using a temporary dental adhesive or dental cement.
How to Do It: If the crown is intact and there is no visible damage, apply a small amount of dental cement or adhesive to the inside of the crown. Gently place the crown back onto the tooth, ensuring its aligned properly. Bite down gently to help secure the crown in place.
Important Note: This is only a temporary fix, and the crown should not be left on for more than a few hours. You should see your dentist as soon as possible for a proper reattachment.
6. Use Pain Relief if Needed
If the exposed tooth is causing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage the pain until you can see your dentist.
How to Use: Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the label. Avoid taking aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding if theres any injury to the gums or tooth.
7. Keep the Tooth and Crown Safe for the Dentist
If you cannot reattach the crown yourself, or if you prefer not to try, make sure to keep both the crown and the exposed tooth clean and safe until your dental appointment.
Store the Crown Safely: Place the crown in a clean, safe container to bring with you to the dentist.
Schedule an Appointment: Call your dentist immediately and explain the situation. Its important to get the crown reattached as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the tooth or potential infection.
When to Seek Professional Care
Even though you can manage the situation temporarily, its essential to see a dentist as soon as possible for professional care. A dentist will assess the condition of the crown and the tooth underneath and decide the best course of action. Heres why you should seek professional care:
1. Reattachment of the Crown
Your dentist will assess whether the crown can be reattached or if a new one is needed. If the crown is intact and the tooth underneath is in good condition, the dentist may clean and reattach it using dental cement or bonding material.
2. Check for Damage to the Tooth
If the tooth underneath is damaged, decayed, or weakened, your dentist may need to perform a procedure, such as a root canal, filling, or reinforcement of the tooth, before the crown can be reattached.
3. Replacement of the Crown
If the crown is cracked, broken, or too damaged to be reused, your dentist will recommend making a new crown. This may involve taking new impressions and waiting a few days or weeks for the new crown to be created.
Preventing Future Crown Displacement
To avoid the possibility of a crown coming off again, consider the following tips:
Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard foods like nuts, candy, or ice, which can put unnecessary stress on your crowns.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports or grind your teeth, a custom mouthguard can protect your crowns and teeth from injury.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent decay or buildup around the crown, which can weaken the bond between the crown and the tooth.
Final Thoughts
Having a crown come off unexpectedly can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can manage the situation temporarily and protect your tooth until you can get to your dentist. Whether its using temporary dental adhesive, cleaning the crown, or avoiding chewing on the affected side, these steps can help you minimize discomfort and prevent further damage. Remember, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is key to ensuring your crown is reattached properly and that your tooth remains healthy and protected.