My Crown Fell Out But It Doesn’t Hurt

My Crown Fell Out But It Doesn’t Hurt: What to Do

Introduction
Dental emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when they happen unexpectedly. One such situation is when a dental crown falls out, but the area doesn’t hurt. This can leave many people unsure of what to do next. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the causes, potential risks, and steps to take when your crown falls out without any pain.

What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to cover its entire visible portion, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to protect a weak or damaged tooth, cover a dental implant, or improve the overall aesthetics of a person’s smile.Crowns are typically made from a variety of materials, including:

• Porcelain or Ceramic: These crowns are designed to closely match the color and appearance of natural teeth, making them a popular choice for front teeth.
• Metal Alloys: Crowns made from gold, platinum, or other metal alloys are strong and durable, often used for back teeth.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: These crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, making them a versatile option.

Why Does a Crown Fall Out?
There are several reasons why a dental crown may fall out, even if the area doesn’t hurt:

Loose Fit

Over time, the cement or adhesive that holds the crown in place can start to break down, causing the crown to become loose and eventually fall out. This can happen due to normal wear and tear or if the crown was not properly fitted in the first place.

Tooth Decay

If the tooth underneath the crown develops decay, it can cause the crown to become loose and eventually fall out. This can happen even if the area doesn’t hurt, as tooth decay doesn’t always cause immediate pain.

Trauma

If you experience a blow to the face or mouth, it can cause the crown to become dislodged, leading to it falling out. This can happen even if the area doesn’t hurt, as the trauma may not have caused any immediate damage to the underlying tooth.

Grinding or Clenching

Bruxism, or the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, can put excessive pressure on the crown, causing it to become loose and eventually fall out. This can happen even if the area doesn’t hurt, as the grinding or clenching may not have caused any immediate pain.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Neglecting to properly clean and maintain the crown can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause the cement or adhesive to break down, leading to the crown falling out.Potential Risks of a Fallen Crown
While a fallen crown may not be causing any immediate pain, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid potential complications:

Tooth Sensitivity

The exposed tooth underneath the crown may become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages, causing discomfort.

Tooth Decay

The exposed tooth is more vulnerable to decay, which can lead to further damage and the need for more extensive dental work.

Gum Irritation

The rough edges of the fallen crown can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and potential infection.

Difficulty Eating

The missing crown can make it difficult to chew properly, potentially leading to further dental problems or issues with digestion.

Aesthetic Concerns

The loss of a crown, especially in a visible area of the mouth, can be a source of self-consciousness and impact a person’s confidence and overall appearance.

What to Do When Your Crown Falls Out
If your dental crown falls out and the area doesn’t hurt, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Crown: Carefully retrieve the fallen crown and rinse it off with warm water to remove any debris.
2. Examine the Area: Gently inspect the area where the crown was located. Look for any signs of damage or irritation, such as bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity.
3. Clean the Area: Gently brush the area with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use floss to remove any food particles or debris.
4. Protect the Tooth: If the crown is still in good condition, you can try to temporarily reattach it using a small amount of toothpaste or dental cement (available at most pharmacies). Be sure to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see a dentist.
5. Contact Your Dentist: Call your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Even if the area doesn’t hurt, it’s important to have the crown properly reattached or replaced to prevent further complications.
6. Avoid Chewing on That Side: Until you can see a dentist, try to avoid chewing on the side with the missing crown to prevent further damage or discomfort.
7. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean and prevent any potential issues.

When to See a Dentist
It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible, even if the area doesn’t hurt, for the following reasons:

• Prevent Further Damage: A fallen crown leaves the underlying tooth exposed, making it more vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and other problems.
• Proper Reattachment or Replacement: A dentist can properly reattach the crown or replace it with a new one to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
• Identify Underlying Issues: The dentist can examine the area and determine the cause of the crown falling out, such as tooth decay or a poor fit, and address any underlying issues.
• Maintain Oral Health: Leaving a fallen crown untreated can lead to more serious dental problems, so it’s important to have it addressed promptly.

FAQs
Q: Why did my crown fall out but it doesn’t hurt?
A: There are several reasons why a crown may fall out without causing pain, including a loose fit, tooth decay, trauma, grinding or clenching, and poor oral hygiene. Even though the area doesn’t hurt, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Q: Is it safe to leave a fallen crown untreated?
A: No, it’s not recommended to leave a fallen crown untreated, even if the area doesn’t hurt. The exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and other problems, and the missing crown can also cause issues with chewing and aesthetics. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible to have the crown properly reattached or replaced.

Q: Can I temporarily reattach my crown myself?
A: Yes, you can try to temporarily reattach your crown using a small amount of toothpaste or dental cement (available at most pharmacies). However, this is only a temporary solution, and you should still see a dentist as soon as possible to have the crown properly reattached or replaced.

Q: What happens if I don’t see a dentist after my crown falls out?
A: If you don’t see a dentist after your crown falls out, the exposed tooth is at risk of developing decay, sensitivity, and other problems. The missing crown can also make it difficult to chew properly and may cause aesthetic concerns. It’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Q: How long can I wait to see a dentist after my crown falls out?
A: It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible after your crown falls out, even if the area doesn’t hurt. Waiting too long can increase the risk of further damage to the tooth and lead to more extensive and costly dental work.

Table of Information

Additional Resource

• Wikipedia: Dental crown