You just had a root canal, and a few days later your crown is sitting in your hand. Before you panic — this happens, and it is usually straightforward to fix.
A crown after a root canal is meant to protect the treated tooth. But getting it placed is a multi-step process. Sometimes there is a gap between the temporary or final crown fitting and the gum healing, and crowns can come loose in that window. It is also possible the crown was placed before the underlying tooth was fully stable, or the cement did not hold.
Is It an Emergency?
Not usually, but do not ignore it either. The tooth underneath has had a root canal, so it no longer feels pain in the traditional sense. However, the exposed tooth structure can still be damaged by chewing, and bacteria can get in around the margins.
If the crown came off completely, keep it if you can. Your dentist may be able to recement it, especially if no new damage has occurred underneath. Do not try to glue it back yourself — over-the-counter dental adhesives are not designed for this and can cause more problems than they solve.
What Will Your Dentist Do?
Your dentist will examine the tooth and the crown to see what happened. If the tooth is intact and the crown is in good condition, a simple recementation is often all that is needed. If there is new decay underneath or the crown is damaged, a new crown may be required.
In rare cases, if the underlying tooth structure has fractured, the situation is more complicated. This is why it is worth getting it checked sooner rather than later.
What Can You Do Right Now?
Call your dental practice and explain what happened. They will bring you in promptly to sort it out. In the meantime, be careful eating on that side of your mouth and keep the area clean.
It can feel alarming when a crown falls off, but it is a manageable situation. Your dental team deals with this regularly and will have you sorted quickly.
Fix Your Crown Today
Meads Village Dental Practice