Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (BDS, MDS - Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)

A crown coming off while you are eating is rare, but it is a real problem. The first thing to check is the inside of the crown itself – whether it feels hollow or has a solid core tells us if this is a simple fix or something urgent. Written by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist), The Smile Makers Dental Clinic, Khar West, Mumbai.

First, look inside the crown

Pick up the crown carefully and feel inside it.

• If the crown feels hollow, the bonding (dental cement) that held it to your tooth has failed. The tooth underneath is usually intact.
• If the crown is not hollow and has a solid core inside it, there is a very high chance the natural tooth has fractured at the neck level, near the gum line. This is a red flag and needs to be addressed by a dentist urgently.

If the crown is hollow: the good news

When only the cement has failed, you can go back to your dentist and have the same crown re-cemented very easily. The dentist cleans the inside of the crown and the tooth, and fixes it back with fresh cement. Do not throw the crown away – in most of these cases it can be reused as it is.

If the crown has a solid core inside: the tooth may have fractured

A solid core inside the crown usually means a part of your natural tooth has broken off along with it, often at the neck level. In this situation the old crown cannot be reused, because the natural tooth that was supporting it has also broken off.

Depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist will consider options such as:

• Post and core – a post placed inside the root, usually of a root canal treated tooth, with a core built up on it to support a new crown.
• Crown lengthening – a small procedure that exposes more of the remaining tooth so a new crown can grip it.
• A new crown – when the remaining tooth can still be salvaged and support one.

If the remaining tooth structure is not salvageable, the dentist may advise removing the remaining root piece and planning a dental implant. A dental implant is a safe, predictable and long-lasting treatment option for replacing the tooth.

What to do right now

• Do not panic, and do not throw the crown away.
• Keep the crown in a clean, empty box. Do not wrap it in newspaper and do not keep it in water.
• Do not try to glue the crown back yourself – household glues are unsafe in the mouth, and a wrongly seated crown can damage the tooth further.
• If the tooth is sensitive, a suitable painkiller can help until your visit – take one only if you are not allergic to it, and strictly under medical supervision.
• See your dentist soon. If the crown came off hollow, come in within a day or two. If it has a solid core inside, treat it as urgent.

What it can cost

If the crown only needs re-cementing, it is usually a short visit. If the tooth has fractured and you need a new crown, a ceramic crown is Rs 7,500 and a zirconia crown is Rs 10,000 at our clinic. Where the tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant is Rs 35,000, which includes the crown fixed on top of it. See our transparent fee structure (edited in October 2026) for the full list.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a crown to come off?

It is rare, but it does happen. When it does, it is a real problem that should not be ignored – but in many cases it is a simple one to fix.

Can my old crown be used again?

Yes, if it came off clean and feels hollow – the dentist can usually re-cement the same crown. No, if it came off with a solid core inside, because the tooth supporting it has fractured; a new crown is then planned after the tooth is rebuilt.

Can I glue the crown back at home?

No. Household or craft glues are not safe to use in the mouth, and seating the crown slightly wrong can trap decay or damage the tooth and your bite. Keep the crown safe and let the dentist re-cement it.

How long can I wait before seeing a dentist?

Do not wait long. If the crown is hollow, see the dentist within a day or two so the tooth stays clean and protected. If the crown has a solid core inside, treat it as urgent – a fractured tooth needs attention before it breaks down further.

This article is general information based on our clinical experience and is not a substitute for an examination. Every tooth and every patient is different, so outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. If your crown has come off or you have pain, please see a dentist. To book a visit, call +91 98190 39311 or message us on WhatsApp. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and closed on Sunday.