If your dental crown just came off, the most important thing to know is this: do not try to glue it back with household adhesive. Save the crown, protect the exposed tooth, and call your dentist. What happens next depends on whether the crown was temporary or permanent, and how long it has been off. This guide covers what to do in both situations, step by step.
If Your Temporary Crown Fell Off
A temporary crown is placed to protect a prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made at the dental lab. If it comes off, you need to act quickly. Contact your dental office the same day to schedule a recementation appointment.
Why timing matters: You should not go without a temporary crown for more than two days. If the temporary is off for longer than that, the gum tissue around the prepared tooth begins to heal and shift. When that happens, the permanent crown may not fit properly at your final seating appointment, which can delay treatment and require additional work.
What to do right now:
- Call your dental office and explain that your temporary crown came off. Most offices will fit you in the same day or the next day for a quick recementation.
- If you cannot get in immediately, keep the temporary crown in a safe place. Rinse it gently and try placing it back on the tooth without cement to check the fit. Some patients use a small amount of denture adhesive or over-the-counter temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to hold it in place until the appointment. Do not use super glue or any household adhesive.
- Avoid chewing on the side with the exposed tooth. The prepared tooth underneath is more vulnerable to sensitivity, fracture, and contamination from food and bacteria.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky, crunchy, or very hot or cold until the temporary is recemented.
If you are a Newport Dental patient, call us at (425) 641-5303. We will get you in as quickly as possible to reseat the temporary and keep your permanent crown appointment on track.
If Your Permanent Crown Fell Off
A permanent crown coming off is less common but it does happen. The cement can weaken over time, decay can develop underneath, or biting into something hard can dislodge it. If your permanent crown falls off, here is what to do.
What to do right now:
- Save the crown. If you can find it, rinse it off and bring it with you to your appointment. Your dentist may be able to recement it, which saves you the time and cost of making a new one.
- Call your dental office to schedule an appointment. Explain that a permanent crown came off so they can plan the right amount of time for your visit.
- In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side. The exposed tooth may be sensitive to temperature, pressure, and air. Over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive can hold the crown temporarily if it still fits, but do not force it if it feels wrong.
- Do not ignore it. Even if the tooth does not hurt, the exposed surface is at risk for decay and fracture the longer it goes uncovered.
What Happens When You Come In
For a temporary crown, the visit is usually straightforward. Your dentist cleans the tooth and the inside of the temporary, then reccements it. The appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
For a permanent crown, the process takes a bit more evaluation. Your dentist will take an X-ray to assess the tooth underneath and determine whether the crown can be recemented or whether a new one is needed. Several factors affect this decision:
- Condition of the tooth: If tooth structure broke off with the crown, or if there is new decay around the margins, recementation alone may not be enough. The tooth may need to be rebuilt before a new crown can be placed.
- Condition of the crown: If the crown is cracked, chipped, or the inside no longer fits the tooth properly, a new crown will need to be fabricated.
- Presence of cavities: Decay under or around the old crown is one of the most common reasons a crown comes loose. If cavities are found, they need to be treated before the crown is replaced.
If the crown and tooth are both in good shape, your dentist can clean and recement the crown at the same visit. If a new crown is needed, the process follows the same two-visit sequence as the original: preparation and temporary at the first visit, permanent crown placement at the second.
What Not to Do When a Crown Falls Off
Do not use super glue, Gorilla Glue, or any household adhesive. These products are not designed for use in the mouth. They can damage the tooth, irritate your gums, and make it much harder for your dentist to properly recement or replace the crown.
Do not try to file or adjust the crown yourself. If the crown does not fit back on easily, leave it off and bring it to your appointment. Forcing it can crack the crown or damage the tooth.
Do not wait weeks to call. With a temporary crown, waiting more than two days can compromise your permanent crown fit. With a permanent crown, the exposed tooth is at risk for decay and fracture every day it goes uncovered.
When a Loose Crown Is a Dental Emergency
Most crown situations are urgent but not a true emergency. You should be seen within a day or two, but it usually does not require an after-hours visit. However, you should treat it as an emergency and call right away if:
- The tooth underneath is broken or sharp and cutting your tongue or cheek
- You are in significant pain that over-the-counter pain relievers are not controlling
- There is swelling or signs of infection around the tooth
- You swallowed the crown (usually not dangerous, but call your dentist to discuss next steps)
Newport Dental offers same-day emergency appointments for patients in Bellevue and the Eastside. Call us at (425) 641-5303.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my crown back on myself?
You can try placing it back on the tooth as a temporary measure using over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive from the pharmacy. This can protect the tooth until your appointment. Do not use super glue or any household adhesive, and do not force the crown if it does not fit. This is a short-term fix, not a replacement for seeing your dentist.
How long can I go without a crown?
For a temporary crown, no more than two days. After that, gum tissue can shift and the permanent crown may no longer fit at your seating appointment. For a permanent crown, you should be seen as soon as possible. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and fracture every day it goes without protection.
Why did my crown fall off?
Common reasons include: the cement weakened over time, decay developed underneath the crown, you bit into something very hard or sticky, or the tooth structure underneath changed. Your dentist will take an X-ray and examine both the tooth and the crown to determine what caused it and whether the same crown can be recemented.
How much does it cost to recement a crown?
Recementing an existing crown is typically a minor procedure and costs significantly less than making a new one. If a new crown is needed, the cost depends on the material and your insurance coverage. Most PPO plans cover crowns at around 50% as major restorative. Newport Dental verifies your benefits and provides a cost estimate before any work begins. Learn more about crown options on our dental crowns page.
What if I swallowed my crown?
Swallowing a dental crown is more common than you might think, and it usually passes through your system without causing harm. Call your dentist to let them know. They will likely advise monitoring and scheduling an appointment to discuss replacement options. If you experience pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues, seek medical attention immediately.
Crown Fell Off? Call Newport Dental.
If your crown came off, whether temporary or permanent, call us at (425) 641-5303. We will get you scheduled quickly, evaluate the tooth and the crown, and walk you through the next steps. Newport Dental is located in Factoria and serves patients across Bellevue, Newcastle, Renton, and the Eastside. Visit our dental crowns or emergency dentist pages to learn more.
