You were enjoying one of your favorite snacks, or maybe you had a sudden dental injury, and now your dental crown feels loose. Is this something you should panic about? Usually not. A loose dental crown is actually not so uncommon, but it should not be ignored. Keep reading this blog to learn what steps you should take if this issue occurs.
What Causes a Dental Crown to Become Loose?
If you have a dental crown, it usually does not become loose without an underlying reason. The causes may include:
- Tooth decay under the crown: If your underlying tooth starts to develop decay, your crown may not remain as stable as before.
- Bruxism: Constant pressure from grinding your teeth might loosen your crown on the tooth.
- Improper fit: A crown that did not fit properly to begin with is more likely to shift or come off.
- Wear and tear: Even if everything else is perfect, routine pressure from biting and chewing can eventually loosen a dental crown.
What Steps Should You Take If Your Dental Crown Feels Loose?
As soon as you feel your dental crown becoming loose, contact your dentist, even if you don’t feel any pain at first. The reason is that it may not look like a dental emergency right away, but it could turn more serious.
Your dentist may adjust the same crown or replace it with a new one. While you wait for your appointment, here’s what you should do:
Don’t Wiggle the Crown
Just as when a tooth starts to feel loose, you may feel a strong urge to touch or wiggle it. But no, you have to avoid it as much as you can. When you wiggle your crown too often, it may fall off completely, which is a risk for your tooth.
Clean the Area Carefully
It is possible that there may be food stuck around your crowned tooth or plaque buildup. You should clean it very gently using a soft toothbrush without pulling your crown.
Protect Your Crown
To stabilize your loose dental crown for some time until you visit your dentist, you can use an OTC dental cement. It is easy to apply. You’ll need to dry your tooth first and then place the cement.
Place the crown back over the tooth and bite down, holding it for about five minutes until the cement sets. This only keeps your crown in place for a few hours, so you should see your dentist before then.
Be Cautious When Eating
It is best not to eat anything until the problem is fixed. But if you have to eat food before your appointment, make sure to eat on the opposite side only. Don’t chew hard or sticky food that could pull your crown off.
Store Your Crown
If your dental crown comes off completely, keep it in a small container. You should bring it along to your appointment so your dentist can see if it can be placed again.
Final Words
A dental crown is meant to protect your tooth for years, but due to some reasons, it may start to feel loose or fall off. When you take the right steps, you can protect your tooth until you visit a professional.
If you experience this problem, reach out to our team at Alonso Family Dental immediately. Call us at (281) 778 8400 to book an appointment.