My Crown Fell Off and My Tooth is Black: What Should I Do?

August 24, 2025

Your crown just popped off… and the tooth underneath is black. Not exactly the surprise you wanted, right? It looks bad, maybe even a little scary, but don’t panic.

Relax! Crowns don’t usually just fall off in a week. Research shows that about 90% of crowns are still doing fine after 5 years, and around 80% last 10 years. Long term, yes, 15–30% may have some issues, but those are the exceptions.

A black tooth under a crown isn’t random. It’s your tooth sending a message. Sometimes it’s decay, sometimes the nerve inside has died, sometimes it’s just staining. Either way, it’s a sign you need to act.

So, what should you do right now? Let’s break it down.

Why did my crown fall off?

Crowns aren’t supposed to just fall out like a loose button, but when they do, there’s usually a reason hiding underneath. Think of a crown as a fancy helmet for your tooth, it protects, but it also depends on what’s beneath it.

The most common culprits are:

• Old glue (cement) giving up – dental cement isn’t forever. With years of chewing, sipping hot coffee, and biting into snacks, the bond can weaken.
• Decay sneaking in – if bacteria slipped under the crown, they can eat away at the natural tooth. Once that happens, the crown has nothing solid to grip.
• The tooth itself cracked – a crown can’t sit firmly on a broken foundation.
• Chewing on the wrong things – ice cubes, hard candy, even using your teeth as “tools” (yes, opening packets!) can push a crown past its limit.
• Grinding or clenching – if you clench your jaw at night, the constant pressure can slowly nudge the crown loose.

Why is the tooth under my crown black?

First reaction? Pure panic. You see that dark tooth and think, “Oh no, it’s dead. Game over.” But let’s slow down. A black tooth isn’t random it’s your body sending you a loud signal.

Here’s what usually causes it:

Decay under the crown

Crowns are supposed to seal your tooth, but if even a hairline gap opens, bacteria sneak in. They don’t work fast, they work quietly. Over months or years, they break down tooth structure, and what’s left turns dark brown or black.

The nerve has died (pulp necrosis)

This one sounds scary, and honestly, it kind of is. Inside every tooth, there’s a soft “living” part called the pulp. If it gets damaged or infected, the tissue dies. And when tissue breaks down, it releases by-products like iron. That iron reacts with dentin (the hard layer under enamel), and suddenly the tooth looks black. Think of it like a bruise locked inside the tooth.

A study shows that teeth with crown discoloration are nearly 24 times more likely to have a dead nerve (pulp necrosis) than those without.

Exposed dentin

Your enamel is the shiny white armor. Underneath is dentin—naturally darker, yellow-brown. When a crown falls off, you’re staring at raw dentin, and surprise, it looks way darker than you expect.

Metal crowns leaving stains

Old crowns with a metal base can leak ions over time, and that can leave the tooth looking grayish or blackish.

Science side note: Studies in endodontics (root canal science) show that when pulp tissue dies, hemoglobin breaks down into iron sulfide. That’s literally a black pigment that soaks into dentin. So, the color isn’t just surface, it’s chemical.

What should I do at home?

Alright, your crown is off and the tooth underneath looks dark. Not exactly what you wanted to see in the mirror, right? But don’t stress. You can’t fix it yourself, but you can take a few easy steps at home to keep things calm until your dentist sorts it out.

Rinse with salt water

This is the simplest trick ever. Warm water, a little salt, swish, spit, done. It helps clean the area and keeps bacteria from throwing a party in there. It also soothes the gums, which can feel a bit angry after the crown comes off. It’s quick, cheap, and actually works.

Drink lukewarm water or soup

Forget icy drinks or boiling-hot coffee for now. Your tooth will hate it. Lukewarm is your friend. Water at room temperature or a mild soup won’t trigger that sharp, sensitive pain. Think comfort, not extremes.

Avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods

Here’s the deal: your tooth is already vulnerable. Hard foods can break more of it, sticky stuff can tug on it, and sugar just feeds bacteria. Soft and simple is the way to go. Yogurt, eggs, soup, these are safe choices until you’re back in the dentist’s chair.

When should I see a dentist?

The truth? The second your crown falls off and you see that dark tooth underneath, that’s your cue.

Don’t sit around thinking, “Maybe it’ll sort itself out.” Teeth don’t work like a paper cut, they don’t heal on their own. Once the crown is off, the tooth is exposed, and bacteria have a free pass to move in.

If you feel sensitivity, pain when you bite down or if your tooth looks black, your tooth is screaming for help. Those are big warning signs of decay or even infection. And once infection gets going, it can blow up into swelling, throbbing pain, or an abscess. Trust me, you don’t want to let it get that far.

But since we can’t time travel, the next best thing is: as soon as possible. The faster you go in, the simpler the fix usually is. Sometimes it’s just re-cementing the crown. Wait too long, and suddenly you’re looking at a root canal or, worst case, losing the tooth altogether.

How will my treatment be done?

So, what actually happens when you sit in the chair? It depends on what’s going on under that crown.

If the tooth is fine and nothing nasty is hiding, process is super quick. A little clean, some fresh cement, crown back on. Done. You’re out the door.

If there’s decay, then it takes a bit more work. The dentist will clear out the bad bits and rebuild the tooth so the crown has a solid base again. Think of it like fixing a cracked wall before putting the paint on.

If the nerve inside the tooth has died, then it’s root canal time. Don’t let that freak you out. It’s basically cleaning out what’s already dead, disinfecting, sealing it up, and then giving the tooth a new crown. It sounds heavy, but honestly it saves the tooth.

And yeah, if the tooth is too far gone like really broken or rotted through sometimes it has to come out. But that’s the last option. Most teeth can be saved these days.

Bottom line? The dentist’s job is to get your tooth strong and working again. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s more detailed, but either way, the goal is the same: save the tooth if possible and get you smiling again.

Should I pull out my loose crown myself?

No. Don’t do it.

I get it; a loose crown is annoying. It wiggles, food gets stuck and you keep playing with it using your tongue. The temptation to just yank it out is huge. But here’s the problem: pulling it off yourself can damage the tooth underneath. You might break off more structure, or worse, expose the nerve. That makes everything more complicated.

If the crown is already completely off, keep it safe in a little container. Sometimes the dentist can reuse it. If it’s still half-on, leave it alone. Avoid chewing on that side, rinse with salt water to keep things clean, and let the dentist handle it.

Remember, crowns aren’t glued with regular craft glue for a reason. Dentists use special cements that are strong but also designed to come off safely when they need to.

Why Dental Excellence Turkey

We make dental care simple and stress-free. With us, you don’t just get treatment, you get a smile that feels natural and looks amazing.

When you come to Dental Excellence Turkey, you’re not just a patient. You’re our guest. From the first hello to the last check-up, we make sure you feel calm, safe, and cared for.

And the best part? You’re in Antalya. Sunshine, sea, and a holiday vibe while we take care of your teeth.

Want to know more? Just contact us, we’d love to help you start your smile journey.