Can Dental Crowns Be Removed?

Dental crowns are not designed to be removable restorations, and they should only be removed by a dental professional when they need to be replaced. You should never attempt to remove your dental crown on your own; doing so could potentially damage the tooth underneath.

When a dental crown needs to be replaced, it can be removed by your dentist. A dental crown has an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, or longer if it is well cared for. Your dental crown should be replaced if it is:

• Leaking

• Cracked or damaged

• Painful

• Sensitive to hot or cold temperatures

What if my dental crown falls out?

Sometimes a dental crown can fall out or be knocked out from an injury or from eating foods that should be avoided, like caramel or taffy. If this happens, follow these steps:

Step 1. Contact your dentist right away.

Ideally, your dental crown should be replaced on the same day it falls out.

Step 2. Find and clean your crown.

Rinse the crown gently with warm water to remove any food or debris. If it is in good shape, your dentist should be able to simply reattach it.

Step 3. Protect the tooth.

If you are not able to get immediate dental care, protect the natural tooth with temporary dental cement or dental wax, both of which can be found at a drugstore.

Step 4. Have the crown reattached or replaced.

As soon as your dentist can see you, they will reattach the crown if it is still in good shape. If it is damaged, they will replace it with a new crown.

If you have a dental crown that needs to be replaced, call or visit us at Ridge View Dental to schedule an appointment!