Losing a dental crown is never ideal, but it’s even more concerning when there’s no tooth left underneath. Whether your crown fell out while eating, brushing, or seemingly for no reason, it’s important to act fast to avoid pain, infection, or further dental complications.
At Kamran Rasul Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dentistry in Liverpool, we’ve helped countless patients restore their smiles after losing a crown. This guide will explain why crowns fall out, what to do if it happens, treatment options, and how to prevent future issues.
What to Do If Your Crown Falls Out and There’s No Tooth Left
If your crown has come loose and there’s no remaining tooth structure, follow these steps:
1. Retrieve the Crown (If Possible)
If your dental crown falls out, the first thing to do is locate it and keep it safe. Even if it cannot be reattached, bringing it to your dentist can provide valuable insight into why it fell out and what replacement options are best.
Check the condition of the crown. If it’s cracked, chipped, or worn down, it likely won’t be reusable, but your dentist will need to inspect it.
Store it properly. Place the crown in a clean, dry container or a small ziplock bag. Some dentists recommend storing it in milk or saliva to prevent it from drying out, especially if it’s a temporary crown.
Do not try to force it back in. Unlike fillings or small dental restorations, crowns are designed to fit precisely. Attempting to reattach it yourself could lead to further damage or an improper fit, making professional treatment more complicated.
Even if the crown itself is intact, the underlying tooth structure may be compromised, which is why a dental evaluation is essential.
2. Keep the Area Clean
Once the crown is out, your exposed gum and tooth root (if any remains) are more vulnerable to bacteria, irritation, and sensitivity. Keeping the area clean will help prevent infection and reduce discomfort until you can see your dentist.
Rinse with warm salt water – Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth. This helps remove debris, kill bacteria, and soothe inflammation.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – Gently brush around the affected area, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent irritation.
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes – While antiseptic mouthwashes may seem like a good idea, they can be too harsh on exposed tissue. Opt for an alcohol-free antibacterial rinse if necessary.
If in pain, use a cold compress – Apply a cold pack to the cheek near the missing crown site to reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol) can also help.
Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial, but be extra gentle around the exposed area to prevent further damage.
3. Avoid Certain Foods
Without a crown protecting your tooth, eating the wrong foods can cause further damage, pain, or even infection. Until you receive professional treatment, be mindful of what you eat.
Stick to soft foods – Choose foods that require minimal chewing, such as soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and smoothies.
Avoid sticky foods – Caramel, chewing gum, toffees, and other sticky treats can pull on the exposed tooth or get lodged in the area, increasing the risk of decay and irritation.
Stay away from hard or crunchy foods – Nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables, and hard bread can put pressure on the exposed tooth and gum tissue, potentially leading to cracks or further dislodging any remaining dental work.
Limit hot and cold foods – The exposed tooth (or underlying gum) may be extra sensitive. Avoid very hot or icy foods and drinks to prevent discomfort.
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth – If possible, avoid using the affected side until your dentist provides a solution.
Being cautious with your diet will protect the exposed area from additional trauma and keep you comfortable until treatment.
4. Book an Emergency Dental Appointment
A missing crown is not just a cosmetic issue—it can expose sensitive tooth roots, gum tissue, or even underlying bone, leading to pain, sensitivity, and a higher risk of infection. Seeking prompt dental care is essential.
Why is it urgent? Without a crown, your tooth (or its remaining structure) is weakened and susceptible to fractures, decay, or further deterioration. The longer it remains untreated, the more complex (and expensive) the solution may become.
What will happen at your appointment? Your dentist will:
Examine the exposed area for decay, fractures, or infection
Assess whether the crown can be reused or if a replacement is needed
Recommend the best treatment, which may include a new crown, a dental bridge, or an implant if no tooth remains
What to Avoid If Your Crown Falls Out
Don’t swallow the crown – If it falls into your mouth, remove it immediately and store it safely.
Avoid trying to reattach it – Since there’s no tooth left to hold it in place, attempting to glue it back can cause more harm.
Don’t ignore the issue – Leaving an exposed area untreated can lead to infection, shifting teeth, and bone loss.
Treatment Options If Your Crown Falls Out and There’s No Tooth Left
If your crown has fallen out due to a lack of tooth structure, it cannot simply be re-cemented. Instead, your dentist will recommend a long-term solution to restore your missing tooth.
1. Dental Implant – The Best Permanent Replacement
A dental implant is the most natural and durable solution if there’s no remaining tooth. This procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone and acts as an artificial root. A custom-made porcelain crown is then attached to restore full function and aesthetics.
✔ Looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth
✔ Prevents bone loss and maintains facial structure
✔ No impact on surrounding teeth
✔ Long-lasting solution (can last a lifetime with proper care)
2. Dental Bridge – A Non-Surgical Alternative
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces the missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth (pontic) between two crowns on adjacent teeth. It’s a great alternative if you’re not a candidate for an implant.
✔ Faster solution with no surgery required
✔ Restores aesthetics and chewing ability
✔ More affordable than an implant
3. Partial Denture – A Removable Option
For patients missing multiple teeth, a partial denture offers a cost-effective, removable alternative.
✔ More affordable than implants or bridges
✔ Can replace multiple missing teeth
✔ Custom-fitted for comfort
Why Do Crowns Fall Out?
Crowns are designed to last for 10–15 years, but certain factors can cause them to become loose or fall out early:
Tooth Decay Under the Crown – If bacteria build up beneath the crown, the remaining tooth can weaken and disintegrate.
Insufficient Tooth Structure – If the original tooth was too small or weak, it may no longer support the crown.
Cement Failure – Over time, dental cement can wear down, loosening the bond between the crown and tooth.
Trauma or Injury – A hard bite, accident, or injury can dislodge a crown unexpectedly.
Teeth Grinding – Excessive grinding or clenching can weaken the crown’s stability.
How to Prevent a Crown from Falling Out
While some cases of crown loss are unavoidable, you can reduce the risk by following these steps:
✅ Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use antibacterial mouthwash.
✅ Avoid Chewing on Hard or Sticky Foods – Ice, toffees, and hard sweets can weaken the crown over time.
✅ Wear a Mouthguard If You Grind Your Teeth – Nightguards can protect crowns from damage.
✅ Visit Your Dentist for Regular Check-Ups – Routine exams help catch early signs of decay or crown loosening.
Don’t Ignore a Missing Crown!
Losing a dental crown—especially when there’s no tooth left—requires prompt attention. Ignoring the issue can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and further complications.
What to Do Next:
If your crown has fallen out, don’t wait—get in touch today to restore your smile and confidence!
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