Dental crowns protect and support a tooth that cannot stand up to the wear and tear of daily use on its own. They are most commonly used when tooth decay has damaged a tooth to an extent where using a traditional filling is no longer in your best interest. So can dental crowns fall out?
Can Dental Crowns Fall Out?
For the most part, dental crowns are incredibly sturdy. Depending on the material used, the average dental crown lasts between three and fifteen years. However, that means that most dental crowns will eventually fail if they are not replaced when they start to show the effects of time.
Breakage is definitely a more common cause of dental crown failure due to the type of pressure the crowns are put under. With that said, a failure in the adhesive or the right kind or breakage could also cause a dental crown to fall out completely.
The Purpose of a Dental Crown
Dental crowns serve as a protective support structure for damaged teeth. If a significant part of your tooth has to be removed due to tooth decay or other damage, then a dental crown will likely be necessary.
The crown itself covers the bite surface and the sides of your tooth all the way up to the gumline. Essentially, every bit of “tooth” you see will actually be the crown. Within the crown, your real tooth will be protected against physical damage and further decay.
Dental crowns in Bloomington offer a way for you to preserve your real tooth, its blood supply, and its vital connection to your jawbone. The closest alternative is typically extraction with the intent to place a dental implant, which will still use a crown to replicate the visible part of your tooth.
Choosing the Right Dental Crown for You
While all dental crowns serve the same purpose, they are not exactly the same. When it comes to choosing the right dental crown for you, your cosmetic dentist in Bloomington will ask you about your preference regarding materials.
Your decision will be based on three factors:
- Cost
- Appearance
- Longevity
Metal crowns for instance are incredibly sturdy and offer great longevity but they look nothing like real teeth. Composite crowns look very like real teeth and they’re highly affordable, but they usually only last 3-5 years.
The gold standard is typically a porcelain crown. On average porcelain crowns last over 10 years and they look exactly like real teeth. The only downside is that they do require a larger initial investment.
What to Do if Your Crown Falls Out
If a dental crown is going to fall out, then it is most likely to happen when you are eating. You might feel something small and hard suddenly in your mouth, but you are unlikely to feel any pain or discomfort.
When this happens, it is important to stop. Don’t chew. Don’t swallow. Find a safe place to spit out your food so that you can find your dental crown. Once you’ve located your crown you will want to follow the following steps.
Step 1: Brush Your Teeth
When a crown falls out, your primary objective is to protect the natural tooth until the crown can be replaced. To that end, you will want to start by gently brushing your teeth. If that causes discomfort a thorough rinse will do.
Step 2: Brush the Crown
With your teeth nice and clean, it’s time to clean the crown. Most importantly you will want to gently scrub out the interior of the crown with toothpaste. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any potential bacteria that could harm your natural tooth.
Step 3: Put the Crown Back in Place
Until you have a new crown, you will need to use the old one as a placeholder. Place a tiny bit of toothpaste inside your crown and push it back onto the tooth. Be gentle, the fit should feel smooth. If it’s forced, the crown may not be turned the correct way.
Step 4: Call Your Dentist
Call your dentist to schedule an appointment, preferably for that same week.
Step 5: Go to a Pharmacy
Once you have an appointment secured, go to your local pharmacy and pick up a dental adhesive. Remove your crown, repeat the cleaning process, and use the dental adhesive to help hold your crown in place until you see your dentist.
