01
Immediate Steps
Save the crown if possible. Do not try to glue it back yourself with super glue. You can temporarily reattach it with dental cement from a pharmacy until your appointment.
← All Symptoms
Dental crown
My Crown Came Off
A crown that has come loose or fallen off needs attention soon — the tooth underneath is vulnerable. The good news: this is usually a straightforward fix.
What is this condition?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged, weakened, or root-canal-treated tooth. Crowns are cemented in place but can loosen or come off over time — especially if the underlying tooth has developed new decay, the cement has worn away, or the crown was subjected to unusual force. The exposed tooth underneath is sensitive and vulnerable to further damage.
Why might I have this?
- The cement holding the crown has worn away over time
- New decay has developed under the crown, breaking the seal
- Biting on something very hard or sticky
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) putting excessive force on the crown
- The crown was not properly fitted originally
- A cracked tooth underneath the crown
What symptoms should I watch for?
- The crown is loose but still in place
- The crown has come off completely
- Sensitivity or pain in the tooth under the crown
- A rough or jagged feeling where the crown was
- Visible decay or darkening on the tooth under the crown
What happens during treatment?
02
Examination
We examine the tooth and crown to determine why it came off and whether the tooth underneath is still healthy.
03
Tooth Preparation
If decay is present, it is removed. The tooth is cleaned and prepared for recementation or a new crown.
04
Recementation or New Crown
If the crown is undamaged and the tooth is healthy, we recement the crown. If a new crown is needed, we take impressions and place a temporary crown while the permanent one is made.
Will it hurt?
The tooth under a crown can be very sensitive when exposed. We will numb the area before any examination or treatment. Recementation is a quick, painless procedure.
How long does it take?
Recementation of an existing crown takes about 30–45 minutes. If a new crown is needed, the preparation appointment takes about 60–90 minutes, and the crown is placed at a second visit 1–2 weeks later.
What happens after treatment?
- Avoid chewing on the affected side until the crown is permanently recemented
- If the crown is off, keep the area clean with gentle brushing
- Avoid sticky or hard foods
- If the tooth is very sensitive, over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste can help temporarily
- Call us promptly — do not leave the tooth unprotected for long
What happens if I don't treat it?
A tooth without its crown is vulnerable to fracture, decay, and sensitivity. The longer it goes unprotected, the more likely it is that the tooth will be damaged further — potentially requiring a root canal or extraction instead of a simple recementation.
Possible treatments
Do you perform this at Essential Dental Care?
Yes. We recement and replace dental crowns at Essential Dental Care. In most cases, if your crown is intact, we can recement it at your appointment. If a new crown is needed, we will take care of everything in-house.
Schedule an Evaluation
Don't wait — early treatment is almost always simpler, less expensive, and more comfortable. We're here to help.