Unfortunately, yes, a dental crown can become loose or even fall off. Fortunately, you can all but assure that this won’t happen to you with proper care and maintenance.
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Still, factors like normal wear and tear, decay under the crown, or trauma (like biting something hard or accidental impact) can compromise the seal between the crown and your natural tooth. Sometimes, poor fit or changes in the underlying tooth structure can cause the crown to shift or come loose.
Finally, in rare cases, the dental cement used to bond the crown can itself weaken over time.
What to Do if a Dental Crown Comes Loose
If your crown feels wobbly or falls off completely, don’t panic. At the same time, don’t ignore it!
Keep the area clean, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. In the meantime, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. In many cases, the crown can be re-cemented if it’s still intact.
Conversely, ignoring a loose crown can lead to further damage or decay, so it’s essential to act quickly.
Concerned About a Loose or Missing Crown in Paducah?
If you’re looking for a caring dentist in Paducah, KY, with experience and expertise in efficiently addressing any issues that may arise with your dental crowns, contact Dr. Scott Bridges and the excellent Smile Station team to schedule an appointment!