At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, we offer same-day emergency appointments for damaged or loose crowns. Our dentists will quickly assess the condition, secure or replace the crown, and restore your comfort and smile.
Dental crowns are durable, but like natural teeth, they can wear down over time due to daily use. Biting, grinding, and temperature changes can weaken both the crown and the cement holding it in place.
Crowns are made from high-strength materials like porcelain, zirconia, or metal, but years of chewing or biting hard objects can still cause fractures, chips, or loss of stability. Regular dental check-ups are key to detecting early signs of wear and preventing emergencies.
While crowns protect the visible portion of a tooth, decay can still develop underneath if bacteria enter at the gumline. Decay weakens the supporting tooth structure, causing the crown to loosen or fall off.
The adhesive used to fix crowns is strong but can deteriorate with age, acidic foods, or improper oral hygiene. When this happens, the crown may detach or shift slightly.
Chewing sticky foods like toffees, or hard items such as nuts or ice, can pull or stress the crown, loosening it or causing cracks.
If the underlying tooth was already fragile due to previous fillings or decay, it may no longer provide enough support for the crown, resulting in movement or detachment.
- Improper Bite Alignment: Uneven bite pressure can place extra force on the crown, leading to fractures or chips.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Chronic grinding applies constant stress on crowns, weakening them over time.
- Trauma or Injury: A blow to the mouth or biting something unexpectedly hard can crack or dislodge a crown.
- Chewing Hard Substances: Ice, bones, or hard candies can fracture both natural teeth and restorations.
If you experience any of the following, you may have a damaged or loose crown:
- A wobbly or shifting crown when biting.
- Food trapping between the crown and gums.
- Pain, pressure, or tenderness around the crowned tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- Sharp edges or visible cracks.
If left untreated, bacteria can enter beneath the crown, causing infection or decay. It’s best to book an emergency appointment as soon as possible to prevent complications or the need for full replacement.
If your crown becomes loose, do not attempt to reattach it yourself using household glues — this can damage both the crown and tooth.
- Remove the crown gently if it detaches completely.
- Rinse your mouth and the crown with lukewarm water.
- Store it safely in a clean container and bring it to your appointment.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until it’s repaired.
Our dentists may be able to recement the same crown if it’s intact and the underlying tooth is healthy.
If your crown is cracked or fractured, our emergency team will assess whether it can be repaired or must be replaced. In many cases, a new custom-made crown can be fabricated using advanced CEREC® 3D milling technology right here in our Brisbane clinic — allowing for same-day restoration.
Your new crown will be crafted from durable, high-quality ceramic or zirconia for long-term strength, natural appearance, and improved bite comfort.
Ignoring a damaged or loose crown can expose your tooth to decay, infection, or further breakage. Our Brisbane emergency dentists are available for urgent appointments to secure or replace your crown immediately.