What to Do if You Notice a Loose Crown?
What can you do if your crown gets loose? Is there a way to solve the problem? Or will you need a new tooth crown? There are many factors that will determine what type of procedure your dentist will suggest.
While the entire process might be scary, a dental crown is easy to fix, and there shouldn’t be any problems. But let’s take a look at some of the symptoms and problems that may occur and how to avoid further damage to your natural teeth and crowns.
Why Does a Crown Loosen?
As you likely know, a crown is a type of covering that goes over an existing tooth to protect it. The tooth in need of a crown can be damaged by trauma, decay, or any other reason. Crowns are usually made of porcelain, glass, ceramics, or even metal.
Since the design of the crown is such that it goes on top of the tooth, it is possible for it to become loose over time. The first on the list of reasons is injury since any type of trauma can loosen it or even destroy it. Other reasons for a loose crown are tooth decay, lack of oral hygiene, and many others. It is worth mentioning that a dental crown can get loose if a person eats sticky food as well.
There are numerous different loose crown symptoms you can notice. In some cases, you can notice something is different while eating, or you can notice the gums around the tooth are irritated. Whatever the case, the smartest thing is to visit a dentist. They will be able to provide more information about the problem and start fixing it as soon as possible.
What to Do When a Permanent Crown Feels Loose?
One of the main problems with loose crowns is that they can remain somewhat in place but still irritate the tooth and gums. But why is that a problem? Well, dentists will usually avoid removing the crown in that case. Removing it can damage the crown itself or, even worse, the tooth underneath. It is always safer to let it stay in place to avoid further problems.
But, if that does happen, it is crucial to remember to avoid playing with the crown. It needs to move as little as possible. That also means you should try and chew on the opposite side until you have solved the problem. It is in your best interest to minimize the movement of the loose crown as much as possible. So, avoid sticky food and anything else that might worsen the condition.
So, can a loose crown be repaired instead of removed, you ask? The answer is yes. But, it might take some time, so you should follow the tips we have given you to speed up the process and ensure repairs go smoothly.
What to Do if a Crown Falls Out?
Now that we’ve seen what happens when the crown becomes loose, let’s take a closer look at what you should do if it falls out. The first thing we should mention is that there are two types of crowns: permanent and temporary. The main difference between the two is obvious. The former is designed to stay in place as long as possible, while the latter is used to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is made.
Crowns can still fall out even if they are not loose, and it can happen while eating, brushing your teeth, flossing, etc. Is your temporary crown loose? If it falls out, the situation will not be as problematic as with the permanent one. A temporary crown is not designed to stay there forever, and its lifespan mostly comes down to when your appointment is.
But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do anything about it. Your natural tooth will still be exposed once the crown is removed. Gums and tooth areas under the crown can get damaged or irritated, so you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Ideally, you will be able to save the crown, especially if it has sustained no damage.
As for the permanent crown, the situation can get a bit more serious. These crowns aren’t made of temporary dental cement, which means that they shouldn’t fall out as often. But if it does happen, you shouldn’t swallow it. Since there won’t be another crown in the making, you will need to pay your dentist a visit. If it is still in one piece, they will be able to put it back in no time.
How to Avoid Having Problems With Dental Crowns?
Putting the undamaged crown back on the tooth is not a complex procedure. Needless to say, sometimes the crown can be damaged beyond repair, which means that you will need a new one. Can you avoid it?
The short answer is yes. But you can’t really prevent it fully. You can only lower the chances of the crown falling out. Bruxism, for example, is one of the common reasons for damaged ceramic crowns. If you grind your teeth, you will need to address the problem as soon as you notice it. Otherwise, it will cause further damage not just to the crown but to the rest of the jaw as well.
Tooth decay and infection are other reasons, and the safest way to prevent them is by visiting your dentist on a regular basis. There is no reason for you to wait for a dental emergency when simple visits can eliminate the problem as soon as it appears.
In general, improving your oral hygiene will get you a long way. Oral health is essential for healthy teeth and gums and ensuring you do everything your dentist tells you will lower the chances of any similar condition. While dental crowns can still suffer damage or become loose with time, having healthy teeth will make the repair significantly easier.
