A dental crown detaching can be a sudden and uncomfortable experience, leaving the underlying tooth vulnerable. While professional dental care is required, temporary self-reattachment is a viable short-term measure to protect the exposed tooth structure. This temporary fix reduces sensitivity and prevents the tooth from shifting until a dentist can permanently re-cement or replace the restoration.
Safety First: Assessing the Crown and Tooth
Before attempting reattachment, thoroughly check both the crown and the tooth to determine if a temporary fix is appropriate. Carefully retrieve the crown and inspect it for cracks, chips, or significant damage; a fractured crown should not be placed back on the tooth. Ensure the crown remains intact and structurally sound so it can be safely seated back into its original position.
Next, examine the exposed tooth structure. Look for sharp edges that could cut your tongue or cheek, and assess the level of pain or sensitivity. If you notice bleeding, severe pain, or if the tooth appears fractured, avoid self-reattachment and seek immediate dental consultation.
Once the assessment confirms suitability, both surfaces require meticulous cleaning. Use warm water to gently rinse the inside of the crown, removing old cement or debris without scrubbing. Gently brush the exposed tooth structure to clear food particles or plaque, ensuring the temporary adhesive can bond correctly.
Temporary Reattachment: Materials and Method
Temporary reattachment requires using the correct adhesive material and applying it with precision. The safest and most effective option is an over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit, which is specifically formulated to be non-toxic and easily removable by a dentist later. These kits often contain materials based on zinc oxide eugenol or zinc phosphate, designed for short-term oral use. If temporary cement is unavailable, a small amount of denture adhesive can serve as a less secure stopgap measure.
It is critically important to never use household glues, such as superglue or similar cyanoacrylate-based products, as these are toxic, can damage the crown and tooth surface, and will make professional removal exceedingly difficult. Once the surfaces are clean, both the tooth and the inner surface of the crown must be completely dry for the cement to adhere effectively. Use a clean cotton swab or gauze to gently dry the prepared tooth before applying adhesive material.
Apply only a pea-sized amount of the temporary cement or adhesive inside the crown, focusing on the margins and ensuring you do not overfill the restoration. Overfilling will cause excessive material to squeeze out, which can irritate the surrounding gum tissue and prevent the crown from seating correctly. Carefully position the crown over the tooth and gently press it into place, ensuring it is fully seated and aligned with your other teeth.
Bite down gently and hold the crown steady for the time specified in the product instructions, typically between one and five minutes, to allow the cement to set. After the material has cured, use a damp cotton swab or floss to carefully wipe away any excess cement that squeezed out around the edges. This prevents irritation and maintains proper gum health around the reattached restoration.
What to Do Until You See the Dentist
The temporary reattachment is a short-term solution that provides protection, but it does not resolve the underlying issue that caused the crown to fall off, and professional follow-up remains mandatory. Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment for definitive treatment, ideally within 24 to 48 hours, even if the temporary fix feels secure. Delaying professional care leaves the underlying tooth susceptible to decay, movement, or fracture, which can complicate re-cementing the crown later.
To maximize the lifespan of the temporary fix, modify your diet and chewing habits immediately. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as caramel, nuts, or tough meats, on the side with the reattached crown, as these can easily dislodge the restoration. Chew primarily on the opposite side of your mouth until the crown is permanently secured.
If the crown is lost or cannot be reattached, protect the exposed tooth by coating it with temporary dental cement or denture adhesive, or by covering sharp edges with dental wax. Keep the dislodged crown safe in a small container to bring to your dental appointment, as the dentist can often reuse the original restoration. While temporary solutions can last a few days to a few weeks, the placement should be considered a stopgap measure until a permanent bond is established.