Can a Dentist Remove a Permanent Crown? Your Friendly Guide to the Process, Reasons, and What to Expect

Have you ever wondered if a permanent dental crown can really be taken out by your dentist? Maybe you’re dealing with a bothersome crown, or maybe your dentist has talked about crown removal and you feel a little nervous about what happens next. You’re not the only one. Lots of people are surprised and even a bit worried when they find out that “permanent” crowns aren’t forever.

Let’s get this clear right away: Yes, a dentist can take off even a permanent dental crown. They actually do this all the time! Whether your crown is old, there’s trouble underneath it, or you just don’t like how it looks, crown removal is a regular dental job and there are solutions for almost every situation.

We know this topic brings lots of questions and maybe some stress. In this guide, we’ll explain why a crown might have to go, how dentists take off permanent crowns, what happens to your tooth after, and how you can move forward without worry. You’ll finish this article feeling clear and confident about your next move—whatever that is.

In This Article

• Why Would a Dentist Remove a Permanent Crown?
• What Exactly Happens During Crown Removal?
• What Happens to Your Tooth After the Crown Comes Off?
• What Are the Risks and How Safe Is the Procedure?
• How Much Does Crown Removal and Replacement Cost?
• When Should You See Your Dentist About Your Crown?
• Your Healthy Smile Takeaway

Why Would a Dentist Remove a Permanent Crown?

Let’s talk about the main question: Why do “permanent” crowns have to come off at all? The name sounds like they should stay forever! But like your favorite comfy jeans, even crowns that fit today can wear out or hide problems over time.

These are the main reasons your dentist might say the crown should come off:

1. Decay Under the Crown (“Secondary Caries”)

Picture your dental crown like a helmet over your tooth. But if germs sneak under the edges, they can start decay underneath. You probably won’t see this, but you might notice your tooth is sensitive or hurts, or your dentist spots it on an X-ray. Studies show decay under crowns causes more than half of all crown removals—so if your dentist wants to “check under the hood,” they’re just looking after you.

2. Broken or Problem Crown

Crowns are strong, but they’re not super tough. Chewing, biting hard foods, or just bad luck can crack, chip, or break a crown. Sometimes, crowns get loose or even fall off on their own; other times, they just don’t fit right anymore, leaving space for germs (and problems) to start.

If you’ve ever felt your bite was “off” after a crown, you’re not alone, and sometimes the fit needs to be fixed.

3. Problems With the Tooth Under the Crown

Sometimes, it’s not the crown—it’s the tooth underneath. Maybe there’s an infection, or the nerve inside (the pulp) is angry and needs a root canal. Now and then, a hidden crack in the tooth is only found once the crown comes off. In all these cases, your dentist has to take the crown off to help your tooth.

4. Looks (Aesthetic) Reasons

Let’s be honest—your smile matters to you. Maybe your crown doesn’t match your other teeth anymore, or your gums have pulled back and you can see a dark line where the crown meets your gum. Sometimes, people just want a crown that looks better.

5. Bite or Jaw Problems

A high or weirdly shaped crown can make your bite uneven. This can cause sore jaws, make chewing tough, or just feels uncomfortable. If fixing the crown doesn’t help, replacing it might be the way to go.

6. Braces or Other Dental Work

If you’re getting braces, a bridge, or an implant, crowns in the way may have to be taken off to make room. It’s like moving furniture before a big party—sometimes, things have to shift.

What Exactly Happens During Crown Removal?

So your dentist says the crown has to come out. Now what? Lots of people get nervous about this. Good news: crown removal is pretty standard, and with a good dentist, it’s often simple and comfortable.

Step 1: Careful Checking and Getting Ready

First, your dentist will:

• Look at your mouth and the crown
• Take X-rays to spot decay or problems with roots
• Go over your dental and health history
• Ask about any pain or feeling you’ve had

Then, you’ll get numbing so you don’t feel a thing. Dentists want you pain-free!

Step 2: How Dentists Take Off Permanent Crowns

Depending on what the crown is made of (like zirconia, porcelain, E.max, or metal) and how strong the glue is, dentists use a few ways to remove a crown:

1. Cutting the Crown (Most Usual Way)

Think about cracking a walnut without breaking the nut. Your dentist uses a drill to cut through the crown—often down the middle or in a couple of places. When the crown is weakened, they gently pull it off. The crown can’t be used again, but the tooth stays safe.

• Works well for: Super-strong or hard crowns
• Good: Saves your tooth, done with care
• Bad: The crown can’t be reused (you’ll need a new one)

2. Vibration Tools and Hand Tools

For crowns not glued on too tightly, your dentist can use a tool with mild shaking or special clamps to loosen the glue and lift the crown.

• Works for: Loose crowns, crowns put back once before
• Good: Can sometimes save the crown for reuse
• Bad: Doesn’t work well for very strong glues

3. Mixing Both Ways

For tough cases, your dentist might do a little cutting and then try tools to wiggle it off.

Keeping Your Tooth Safe: No matter what, your dentist takes it slow and uses shields to make sure only the crown comes off—not part of your tooth!

Step 3: Will It Hurt? (Relax!)

You shouldn’t feel pain while the dentist is working. Numbing makes sure of that. After, you might have a little soreness or your gums might feel funny for a bit, but usually a simple pain pill helps. If your tooth is more sensitive to hot, cold, or biting afterward, no need to worry—it usually goes away fast.

Step 4: How Long Does It Take?

The whole thing usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on the crown and what the dentist finds. Harder crowns like zirconia and E.max might take a little extra time.

What Happens to Your Tooth After the Crown Comes Off?

Now that the crown is off, what’s next for your tooth? That depends on what your dentist finds underneath. Here’s a quick list:

1. Tooth Check

Your dentist looks for:

• Decay
• Cracks or chips
• Infection
• How much tooth is left

Sometimes, things look fine until the crown is gone and you see what’s really there.

2. Fixing the Tooth: What’s Next?

Depending on your tooth’s shape, here’s what might happen:

– A Brand-New Crown (Most Usual Choice)

If your tooth is still good enough, your dentist will clean and reshape it, then take an impression for a new crown that fits well. (Many modern clinics work with labs like this crown and bridge lab to make sure you get a crown that fits and looks great.)

– Dental Filling

If just a small fix is needed, a filling might be fine—no crown needed.

– Root Canal

If the nerve or inside of the tooth is sick, your dentist might do a root canal to save your tooth. A new crown usually gets placed after.

– Pulling Out the Tooth

Worst case (like if the tooth’s root is cracked or badly decayed), the tooth may have to go. Your dentist will talk about replacements like bridges or implants.

– Temporary Crown

If the new crown will take time, you’ll probably get a temporary crown to keep the tooth protected.

What Are the Risks and How Safe Is the Procedure?

With all the tools and steps, you might wonder: “Is this risky?” Thanks to modern dental tools and smart dentists, the risk is pretty small—but here’s what could happen.

1. Tooth Damage

• Good news: Very bad damage, like root cracks, are rare (less than 1–5% of cases).
• Small chips or extra sensitivity can happen, but are usually easy to fix.
• Tip: A gentle dentist keeps your tooth safer.

2. Gum or Neighbor Teeth Sore

Sometimes, removing a tight crown can bug your gums or bump into another tooth. Good dentists use shields and are careful to avoid this.

3. Crown Gets Broken

Most of the time, the old crown can’t be used again. Put money aside for a new crown—see below for cost info!

4. More Work Needed

Once the crown is off, your dentist might find more decay, cracks, or infection that needs a fix (like a root canal or even pulling the tooth) before a new crown can go on.

5. More Than One Visit

Sometimes, more visits are needed—like if your tooth needs time to heal before the new crown.

Bottom line: With a good dentist, permanent crown removal is safe and works well for most people. If you’re worried about your situation, just ask—that’s your dentist’s job!

How Much Does Crown Removal and Replacement Cost?

Let’s talk money—because dental costs can be confusing! Here are some ballpark prices so you can plan ahead:

What affects the price:

• What the crown is made of (zirconia, porcelain, gold, etc)
• Where you live (big-city clinics usually cost more)
• If your tooth needs repairs first
• If heavy sedation or extra time is needed

Will Dental Insurance Help?

Most of the time, yes—if the dentist can show that removal and replacement are needed for health reasons (like decay, infection, or crown failure).

If it’s just for a better look, insurance might not help.

Tip: Ask the dental office to send paperwork to your insurer ahead of time. That way, there are no surprise bills.

When Should You See Your Dentist About Your Crown?

Not every little pain means your crown needs to go. But there are clear signs when you should call the dentist. Book an appointment if:

• You have sharp or lasting pain around a crowned tooth
• You notice sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweet things
• The crown feels loose or has come off
• You see chips, cracks, or color changes in the crown
• You can’t get rid of bad breath or a bad taste (could be decay under the crown)
• Your bite feels off or chewing is hard

Don’t wait! Getting in early means fixing it is easier and you have a better chance of keeping your tooth.

Your Healthy Smile Takeaway

Let’s wrap this up with some quick facts:

Permanent crowns aren’t really permanent—dentists remove them all the time.

• Decay, breakage, fit trouble, or new dental plans are all reasons for removal.
• Dentists use the right tools and gentle ways to keep you comfortable and safe.
• Pain is rare with numbing; feeling sore after is usually mild and short.
• After removal, your dentist will check your tooth and decide if you need a new crown, a filling, a root canal, or maybe tooth removal.
• There’s not much risk if your dentist is careful, but you’ll almost always need a new crown.
• If fixing is needed for health reasons, insurance usually helps—check your plan first.

What’s next? Don’t let dental worries drag on. If your crown feels odd, schedule a checkup. Acting early can mean an easy fix, a healthy tooth, and more reasons to smile.

Quick Number Facts:

• 50-60% of crown problems come from decay under the crown.
• 10-15% are from breaking or chipping (of the crown or the tooth).
• 10-year survival rate for crowns: 80–90%. At 15 years, it’s 50–80%.
• Risk of bad damage during removal: very low (1–5%).

Common Questions (and Simple Answers)

Can my regular dentist remove my crown, or do I need a specialist?

Most regular dentists can do crown removal. For really tricky cases, a specialist might be needed.

Should I take my crown off myself?

No, never! Don’t try this at home. You could break your tooth, hurt your gums, or get a bad infection.

Will I get a temporary crown after removal?

Almost always, unless a same-day crown is available. A temp crown keeps your tooth safe while the new one is made.

How long is it OK to go without a crown?

Don’t wait too long. A temporary crown protects your tooth, but your permanent one should go on as soon as you can to avoid shifting, decay, and pain.

Who Needs Crown Removal? (And Who Might Not)

You might need crown removal if…

• You feel pain, looseness, or see damage to a crowned tooth.
• Your dentist finds decay or infection under your crown.
• You’re having other dental work on crowned teeth.
• Your crown no longer matches your smile or you want a new look.

You might not need removal if…

• The crown is fine and your problem is just minor gum soreness, which can usually be fixed with better cleaning.
• Your dentist can fix the bite or fit without removing the crown.

Every mouth is different! That’s why seeing your dentist is important.

Move Forward With Confidence

Here’s how to get started:

• Watch for any signs listed above in your crowned teeth.
• Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly—stopping problems before they start is best!
• Ask your dentist “why” if crown removal is suggested: “Why do I need it? What happens next? How do you protect my tooth?”
• Ask for a cost estimate and check insurance before agreeing to treatment.
• Look for clinics that work with quality labs—including those that do dental ceramics and use digital dental lab technology—for great results.

Remember, no question is dumb when it’s about your health. Your dentist—and this guide—are here to give you answers, options, and the power to keep smiling for years.

Ready for your next step? Schedule that checkup, trust your gut, and invest in your tooth health. You—and your smile—are totally worth it.

Sources:

• Dental books and journals like the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of the American Dental Association, and ADA patient guides.
• Dental cost surveys.

This article is a helpful guide but isn’t a stand-in for advice from your dentist. Always ask your own dentist for ideas based on your health.

Want more info? Check out our practical guide to dental treatments, or see our resource on crown and bridge procedures for more answers.