What to Do When a Crown Falls Off
Stay calm. A crown coming off is uncomfortable, but it rarely requires an emergency room visit. Your first step is to remove the crown from your mouth carefully so you do not swallow it or accidentally bite down on it.
Once the crown is out, rinse it under lukewarm water to remove any food or old cement. Do not scrub the inside of the crown aggressively. Set it aside in a small container or plastic bag where it will not get lost or crushed.
Inspect the Tooth and Crown
Look at the tooth underneath. If it appears dark, broken, or has a large hole, the crown may not be reusable and you should call your dentist promptly. If the tooth stub looks intact and is simply sensitive, a temporary fix at home can buy you time.
Check the crown itself. If it is cracked, has a hole in it, or a piece has broken off, do not attempt to reattach it. A damaged crown needs to be replaced, not recemented.
How to Clean the Crown Before Reattaching
Use a toothpick or soft toothbrush to gently remove any old cement from inside the crown. Rinse it again with lukewarm water. The inside surface should be relatively clean and dry before you apply any temporary adhesive. Old cement left inside can prevent the crown from seating properly.
Safe Temporary Fixes for a Loose Crown
Several over-the-counter products can hold a crown in place for a few days to a couple of weeks. These are temporary solutions only. They do not replace professional dental cement, which bonds the crown permanently.
Over-the-Counter Dental Cement
Temporary dental cement is the best option for reattaching a crown at home. Products like Dentemp and Recapit are sold at most pharmacies and are specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the package directions: apply a thin layer inside the crown, press it firmly onto the tooth, and bite down gently for one to two minutes.
This type of cement holds reasonably well but will soften over time, especially with hot foods and liquids. Avoid chewing on that side as much as possible.
Denture Adhesive as a Temporary Hold
If you cannot find dental cement, a small amount of denture adhesive (such as Fixodent or Poligrip) can work as a short-term alternative. Apply a thin layer inside the crown and press it onto the tooth. Denture adhesive is less stable than dental cement and may need reapplication every few hours, but it is safe to use in the mouth.
Do not pack the crown full of adhesive. A thin, even coating provides the best hold. Too much adhesive prevents the crown from seating completely.
Sugar-Free Gum or Dental Wax
If you have no dental products available, a small piece of sugar-free gum pressed into the crown can hold it in place very temporarily. Dental wax, sold for orthodontic patients, can also cushion the exposed tooth if the crown will not stay on. These are last-resort options that may buy you a few hours until you can get to a pharmacy or dentist.
What NOT to Use to Reattach a Crown
Certain household adhesives are dangerous to use inside the mouth. Even though they create a strong bond, the chemicals in them can harm your tooth, irritate soft tissue, and make it harder for your dentist to properly treat the tooth later.
- Super glue (cyanoacrylate): Bonds too aggressively. It can damage the tooth structure, irritate gum tissue, and make it very difficult for a dentist to remove the crown later without cutting it off.
- Gorilla Glue or construction adhesive: These expand as they cure and can distort the fit of the crown or push it off the tooth entirely. They are also toxic if swallowed.
- Nail glue: Contains similar chemicals to super glue. It is not formulated for use inside the mouth and can cause chemical burns on soft tissue.
- Chewing gum with sugar: Sugar feeds bacteria on the exposed tooth surface, increasing the risk of decay. Use sugar-free gum only.
Why Dental Crowns Come Loose
Understanding why your crown came off helps determine whether the original crown can be reused or if you need a new one. There are several common reasons crowns fail.
Cement Breakdown Over Time
Dental cement does not last forever. Over years of chewing, temperature changes, and normal wear, the cement can weaken and wash out. This is the most common reason crowns come loose, and it usually means the crown can be cleaned and recemented without any other treatment.
Decay Under the Crown
Bacteria can work their way under a crown margin over time, especially if the fit is not precise or if oral hygiene around the crown has been inconsistent. Decay weakens the tooth underneath and dissolves the cement bond. If there is significant decay, your dentist may need to rebuild the tooth or place a new crown.
Poor Fit, Grinding, or Tooth Fracture
A crown that never fit well may eventually loosen. Teeth grinding (bruxism) places excessive force on crowns, especially molars, and can break the cement seal over time. In some cases, the tooth itself may have cracked beneath the crown, which changes its shape enough that the crown no longer fits.
Can Your Old Crown Be Recemented?
In many cases, yes. If the crown is intact, the tooth underneath is healthy, and the fit is still good, your dentist can clean and recement the original crown. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.
However, if the crown is damaged, the tooth has decay, or the crown no longer fits properly, a new crown will be needed. Your dentist will evaluate both the crown and the tooth at your appointment and recommend the best course of action.
Bring the old crown with you to every dental appointment, even if you think it is damaged. Your dentist needs to inspect it to determine the next step.
When to Call Your Dentist
You should call your dentist within one to two days of losing a crown. While a temporary fix can protect the tooth for a short period, the exposed tooth is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further damage the longer it goes without a permanent restoration.
Schedule a Visit Within a Few Days If
- The crown came off but the tooth looks intact and is only mildly sensitive
- You have successfully reattached the crown with temporary cement and it feels stable
- There is no pain, swelling, or visible damage to the tooth
Seek Same-Day or Emergency Care If
- The tooth underneath is broken, has a sharp edge cutting your tongue or cheek, or is severely painful
- You see swelling, pus, or signs of infection around the tooth
- The crown was on a front tooth and you need it for work or an event
- You swallowed the crown (this is usually harmless but your dentist should know)
When to See a Prosthodontist
A general dentist handles most crown recementations and replacements. However, a prosthodontist is a dental specialist with 3 additional years of training in restoring and replacing teeth. You may benefit from seeing a prosthodontist if your crown has failed multiple times, the tooth needs significant rebuilding before a new crown, or you need a crown in the front of your mouth where appearance is critical.
Prosthodontists are also the specialists to see if you are considering alternatives to a crown, such as a dental bridge or implant. You can learn more about this specialty on our [prosthodontics overview page](/specialties/prosthodontics).
Find a Prosthodontist Near You
Every prosthodontist listed on My Specialty Dentist has verified specialty credentials. Search by location to find a prosthodontist in your area, compare experience, and schedule a consultation to address your crown.
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