What to Do If You Have a Loose Crown

Have you ever felt an odd wobble in your tooth where your dental crown is supposed to sit snuggly? It’s an uncomfortable and often alarming experience. Dental crowns are sturdy but not invincible, and knowing how to handle the situation when they loosen can save you a lot of discomfort and protect your dental health.

Dr. Hannah Baek understands what you’re going through. At Healthy Smile Dental in Woodbridge, Illinois, she not only places many crowns — she also fixes loose crowns that have shifted out of position.

Here, she guides you through the signs of a loose crown and the immediate actions to take to prevent further damage. 

Signs of a loose crown

A dental crown may sit atop your tooth like a tiny throne, but it can cause discomfort that's hard to ignore when it’s loose. You might experience:

• A sharp pain or discomfort, particularly when biting down
• A newfound sensitivity to hot or cold 
• Trouble chewing — like hitting an unexpected speed bump on a smooth road
• The sensation that your crown is moving, even the slightest jiggle, can be significant

If you’re nodding along to any of those signs, it’s time to take action.

Immediate steps to take

First, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water to clean the area. This solution is soothing and helps ward off potential infections. Be careful not to prod or poke the crown.

Next on your list of to-dos, avoid using the loose crown — that’s right, no chewing on that side. And, if you’re feeling a little crafty and need a temporary fix before you can see Dr. Baek, dental cement or a temporary adhesive, available at most pharmacies, can serve as a short-term remedy.

Finally, schedule an emergency appointment at Healthy Smile Dental. Dr. Baek is like a superhero in this dental distress scenario, and she’s ready to come to your rescue.

Preventing further damage

While waiting for your dental appointment, it’s crucial to play it safe:

• Avoid sticky or hard foods that could cause further damage or dislodge the crown completely
• Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the affected area
• If you’re a night-time teeth grinder, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect the loose crown from unintended midnight pressures

You have a crown for a reason — it protects the pulp and nerves underneath — so caring for it and replacing it when necessary is critical. 

Common causes of loose crowns

Why do crowns loosen their grip in the first place? Typically, the culprits are:

• Tooth decay sneaking beneath the crown
• A sudden trauma or injury
• Age and wear: crowns, like well-loved shoes, can wear out over time

Identifying the cause is part of the fix, and Dr. Baek can help you understand what went wrong.

Treatment options

Once you’re in Dr. Baek’s capable hands, treatment options to secure your crown may include:

• Simply re-cementing the crown to fortify its position
• A complete crown replacement if it’s seen better days or your tooth needs more extensive work
• If decay is the intruder, a possible root canal treatment to address the underlying issues

Dr. Baek walks you through the best method to regain your tooth’s strength and splendor.

A loose crown is more than just a dental inconvenience — it's a call to action. Promptly addressing the issue helps prevent further complications and ensures the longevity of your dental work.

So, if your crown is shifting around, don’t wait. Book an appointment online, or call Healthy Smile Dental today.