A dental crown is designed to protect and strengthen a damaged tooth. But what happens when your crown starts to feel loose? A loose crown isn’t just annoying—it can put your tooth at risk. Whether it’s wobbly or has completely fallen off, it’s important to know why it happened and what to do next.
Common Causes of a Loose Crown
1. Normal Wear and Tear
Dental crowns go through a lot—chewing, grinding, and temperature changes from hot and cold foods. Over time, the cement holding the crown in place can weaken, causing it to loosen.
2. Decay Under the Crown
Crowns protect teeth, but they don’t make them invincible. If bacteria sneak under the edge, they can cause decay, weakening the structure beneath the crown. This can loosen the fit and even cause pain.
3. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Clenching and grinding put extra stress on teeth and crowns. Over time, this can loosen or damage the cement holding the crown in place. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect your restoration.
4. Improper Fit
A crown should fit snugly over the tooth. If it’s too loose or doesn’t align properly, chewing forces can shift it over time, making it unstable.
5. Sticky or Hard Foods
Chewing sticky candies, caramel, or tough foods like ice or nuts can pull at the crown or put too much pressure on it. This can break the seal, making it feel loose.
What to Do If Your Crown Feels Loose
- Don’t try to fix it yourself. Super glue is not the answer!
- Avoid chewing on the affected side. This helps prevent further damage.
- Call your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get it checked, the better the chances of saving the crown.
Loose Crown Repair in Long Island City, NY at Queensboro Plaza Dental Care
A loose dental crown isn’t something to ignore. At Queensboro Plaza Dental Care, Dr. Michael Nguyen and Dr. Daniel Barayev provide expert crown repair and replacement. If your crown feels loose, schedule an appointment today to protect your tooth and restore your smile!
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