Loose crown: what to do and when it is urgent

• A crown moves, rocks or feels high when you bite.
• The crown has partly lifted or come off completely.
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweet foods or air.
• Pain on biting or chewing.
• A rough edge rubbing the tongue, lip or cheek.
• Bad taste, swelling, pus or a smell around the crown.

1. 1Contact a dentist to arrange assessment.
2. 2If the crown has come off, keep it safe and take it to the appointment.
3. 3If the crown is very loose, remove it only if it comes away easily and you can do so safely; do not sleep with a loose crown in your mouth.
4. 4Brush gently and keep the area clean.
5. 5Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the affected tooth.
6. 6Use pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the packet instructions. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Do not use household glue, superglue or non-dental adhesive.
• Do not force a crown back onto the tooth.
• Do not keep chewing on a crown that moves or feels loose.
• Do not ignore pain, swelling, bad taste, pus or fever.
• Do not assume a loose crown is only a cosmetic problem.

A loose crown may be less urgent when there is no pain and no airway risk, but symptoms can change and the tooth still needs assessment.

• Severe or worsening pain.
• Swelling, fever, pus, bad taste or feeling unwell.
• A crown that is loose enough to come off unexpectedly.
• A sharp edge causing tongue, cheek or lip injury.
• Difficulty eating, biting or closing the teeth together normally.
• The crown problem followed a dental injury.

If you cannot access your own dentist and need urgent help, use NHS 111 or 111 online. NHS 111 can advise the next step but does not guarantee an appointment.

A loose crown by itself is not a medical emergency. Use emergency medical care for airway concerns, serious injury or severe swelling.

• Coughing, choking, breathing difficulty or concern the crown was inhaled.
• Heavy mouth bleeding that will not stop.
• Serious face or jaw injury.
• Head or facial injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting or double vision.
• Severe swelling of the mouth, lips, throat or neck with breathing difficulty.

A dentist may check the crown, tooth underneath, bite, gums and nearby soft tissues. They may assess whether the crown still fits and whether there is decay, fracture or infection.

Depending on assessment, treatment may include cleaning the area, recementing the crown, placing temporary coverage, repairing decay, replacing the crown, or discussing other options if the tooth cannot be restored.