Dental crowns are among the primary treatments that dentists use to restore decayed, damaged, or misshapen teeth. If you have one or more crowns, you are likely grateful to them for protecting your damaged dentition and enabling you to enjoy full dental function. But what if one of your crowns becomes loose? This article discusses why that might happen and what you can do to remedy the problem.
Why Dental Crowns Loosen
Dentists use a special type of cement to bond crowns to teeth. The cement is designed to endure all the rigors of everyday life, but sometimes various factors, such as the following, can loosen or wash away the cement, leading the crown to become loose:
- Too many sticky foods. If you habitually snack on things like toffee and taffy, they will pull at the crown again and again, gradually wearing away at its bond with your tooth.
- Decay. Dental crowns themselves are invulnerable to decay. However, plaque may accumulate along your gums at the base of the crown and affect the underlying tooth. As decay causes further damage to the tooth, it may lose its shape and no longer fit well beneath the crown, in which case the dental cement will not be able to keep the restoration in place.
- Time. Dental cement can gradually lose its adhesiveness over the years, regardless of how well you take care of your crown.
- Damage to the crown. If the crown is cracked or bent out of shape, it is more likely to loosen.
What to Do About Your Loose Crown
If one of your crowns feels loose, contact your dentist as soon as you can. You do not want to risk that your crown will come off altogether and expose the tooth beneath it to further damage. A loose or lost crown is usually considered a dental emergency, so your dentist will make an effort to see you as soon as possible, perhaps even on the same day that you call.
If your crown falls off while you are waiting for your dental appointment, try to replace it on your tooth. A dab or toothpaste or dental adhesive can help it to stay in place. Avoid chewing with the tooth. If you are experiencing any pain, you can use mild OTC medications to mitigate your discomfort.
When you visit your dentist, they might be able to reattach your crown. However, it is also possible that they will need to design an entirely new restoration.
Does one of your dental crowns feel loose? Do not ignore the situation. Visit your dentist, who will be able to provide treatment so you can get back to enjoying a fully functional set of teeth as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Angela Santavicca is owner of Santavicca Dental Associates. She and her team provide a range of dental services, including crowns and other restorations. They welcome emergency patients. To learn more about our practice and how we may be able to serve you, contact us today at 603-643-4142.