The single most useful thing you can do when a crown comes off is hold on to it. A crown that is undamaged, sitting on a tooth that is still healthy, can often be cemented back on at one short visit, which is usually quicker and cheaper than making a new one. Put it somewhere safe, keep the tooth clean, and book in within a day or two.
The first few minutes
Find the crown, rinse it gently and put it in a small container or a sealed bag. Wrapping it in a tissue is how many crowns end up in the bin. Rinse your mouth with warm water and have a look at the tooth.
What you see underneath is the tooth that was shaped down to make room for the crown. It is smaller than you might expect and may feel rough, sharp or sensitive, especially to cold air or drinks. That is normal. Chew on the other side, avoid very hot, cold or sweet food on that side, and keep brushing the exposed tooth gently so plaque does not build up on it.
If you think you may have swallowed the crown, call us for advice. If you have coughed, choked or have any trouble breathing after losing it, you may have inhaled it, so seek medical care straight away.
Pharmacy cement is a stopgap, glue is not
Pharmacies sell temporary dental cement that can hold a crown in place for a few days. It can make eating and smiling more comfortable, but it is not a repair, and the crown can still come loose. Make sure the crown sits fully down and your bite feels normal before the cement sets. If it will not seat properly, it is safer to leave it out and keep the tooth clean than to force it on at an angle.
Never use superglue or any household adhesive. These are not made for the mouth, can irritate the gum, and can damage the crown or the tooth so that it cannot be reattached.
Signs it should be seen sooner
Book an urgent appointment if you have strong or throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, bleeding that does not settle, or if part of the tooth has broken off with the crown. These can point to decay under the crown or a problem with the nerve. Our guide to handling a dental emergency lists the warning signs, and Lumi Dental offers emergency appointments.
What usually causes a crown to come off
Most crowns that come off do so for one of three reasons. The cement can break down after many years. Decay can develop at the edge of the crown and eat away at the tooth beneath, until the crown has little to grip. Or the tooth itself can fracture under the crown. Sticky food is often what finally pulls it off, but it is rarely the underlying cause.
Which of these has happened decides the fix:
| What the dentist finds | Usual next step |
|---|---|
| Crown intact, tooth healthy | Clean both and cement the same crown back on |
| Decay on the tooth | Treat the decay first, then re-cement if the fit is still good, or make a new crown |
| Tooth fractured | Rebuild the tooth if enough remains, then a new crown |
| Crown cracked, worn or lost | A new crown |
If a new crown is needed, the typical market range in Sydney is about $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material and the work involved. This is a general range, not a Lumi fee, and our guide to crown costs explains what affects the price. After your examination you will usually receive a written treatment plan, often by email.
Common questions
How long can I leave the crown off?
Try to be seen within a day or two. The longer the shaped tooth is exposed, the more it can become sensitive, decay, or shift slightly so that the crown no longer fits.
Is it the same if an implant crown comes off?
Not quite. An implant crown is attached to an implant rather than a natural tooth, and it may be held by a screw. Our guide to a loose implant crown covers what to do.
Will I definitely need a new crown?
No. If the crown and the tooth are both sound, cementing it back is common. If the tooth has changed, our comparison of fillings, onlays and crowns explains the options.
Next steps
Keep the crown, look after the tooth, and book soon for the best chance of a simple re-cement. You can see current options on our offers page, or read our companion guide on a lost filling.
