Recementing the crown
This may be possible if the crown fits well and the tooth underneath is sound.
Crown fell off
A crown that has fallen off can expose the tooth underneath, change the bite, or indicate decay, fracture, or cement failure.
Review required by Newstead Dental Co Updated 2026-07-28
My crown has come off. Can it be put back?
A crown can come off because cement has failed, the bite has overloaded it, decay has developed under the edge, or the tooth underneath has cracked or broken. It is not possible to know whether it can be recemented until the crown and tooth are assessed.
What you may be worried about
- The tooth underneath may be weak, decayed, or sensitive.
- The crown may not fit back if the tooth has changed.
- The exposed tooth may break or become painful.
Possible causes
- Cement washing out or losing bond over time.
- Decay under the crown edge.
- A crack or fracture in the remaining tooth.
- Bite pressure, grinding, or a crown that no longer fits predictably.
When to treat this as urgent
Urgency level: soon
- There is swelling, severe pain, trauma, or bleeding.
- The tooth underneath is sharp, dark, soft, loose, or badly broken.
- The bite feels high or you cannot close comfortably.
What to do now
- Keep the crown if you have it and bring it to the appointment.
- Avoid chewing on that side until the tooth is assessed.
- Book an assessment soon, even if the tooth is not painful.
What to avoid
- Do not use household glue or hardware adhesives to reattach the crown.
- Do not keep wearing a loose crown if you might swallow or inhale it.
- Do not assume the crown can be reused without checking for decay or fracture.
When to arrange a dental assessment
- Arrange assessment soon if a crown comes off, especially if the tooth is sensitive, sharp, dark, soft, or painful.
What a dentist may need to assess
- Whether the crown still fits, whether decay or fracture is present, how much tooth remains, and whether the bite overloaded the crown.
Options that may be considered
Repair or rebuild
If part of the tooth or filling core has broken, the tooth may need repair before a crown can be replaced.
New restoration
If the old crown no longer fits or decay has changed the tooth, a new crown or other restoration may be considered.
What we would consider before recommending treatment
- Whether the tooth underneath is sound and restorable.
- Whether the crown fits fully without rocking or leaving gaps.
- Whether decay, cracks, bite pressure, or nerve symptoms are present.
If it were our own teeth
If it were our own crown, we would not glue it back without checking the tooth. Recementing is useful only when the remaining tooth and crown still make sense together.
A sensible next step
Book an assessment and bring the crown with you. Use urgent help if there is swelling, severe pain, trauma, bleeding, or a badly broken tooth.
Possible next steps
- Recementing, repair, a new crown, core build-up, root canal treatment, extraction, or temporary protection may be discussed depending on the tooth.
Choosing the next step
Use the emergency pathway only when the problem may need urgent review.
For routine, planned, or unclear but non-urgent concerns, book a normal appointment. For swelling, trauma, severe pain, bleeding, or a broken tooth that cannot wait, use the emergency assessment instead.
Common questions
Can I glue my crown back on?
Do not use household glue. A dentist needs to check whether the crown still fits and whether the tooth underneath is safe to reuse.
Is a crown falling off an emergency?
It can be urgent if there is swelling, severe pain, trauma, bleeding, or the tooth underneath is badly broken.
Want us to assess your situation?
Book when you feel ready to understand the problem, options and next step.