A dental crown unexpectedly coming loose can be an alarming inconvenience, often leading people to search for a quick, do-it-yourself fix. When a crown falls off, the underlying tooth structure, called the abutment, is exposed, creating immediate sensitivity and a potential hazard to bite alignment. This situation demands a temporary solution to protect the tooth while you wait for a professional appointment. The choice of adhesive must prioritize safety and preservation of the tooth for your dentist to properly treat it later.
Why Super Glue is Never Safe for Dental Use
The most common household adhesive, super glue, contains the chemical compound cyanoacrylate, which is unsuitable for use in the mouth. This non-biocompatible substance is not designed to interact with the delicate soft tissues of the gums, tongue, and cheeks. Contact with moist tissues can lead to irritation, chemical burns, and inflammation.
Using cyanoacrylate presents a serious structural problem for future dental care because of its strong, permanent bond. If the crown is placed slightly out of position, the glue’s strength makes it nearly impossible for a dentist to remove without drilling off the crown or damaging the remaining tooth structure. Furthermore, the polymerization process, where the liquid glue hardens, is an exothermic reaction that generates heat. This heat can damage the sensitive pulp inside the tooth, possibly necessitating a root canal procedure.
Recommended Temporary Dental Adhesives
Instead of using household glues, safe temporary re-cementing can be achieved using specialized dental products. The most appropriate choice is an over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit, typically found at most pharmacies. These kits usually contain a zinc oxide-based compound designed to be intentionally weaker than permanent dental cement. The low strength of these temporary cements ensures your dentist can easily remove the crown later without damaging the restoration or the tooth.
Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is a common component in these temporary materials. ZOE offers a mild, sedative effect on the exposed pulp, which helps to alleviate discomfort and sensitivity. For a short-term measure, such as overnight, a small amount of denture adhesive can be used to hold the crown in place. However, denture adhesive offers far less security than a dedicated temporary cement.
Preparing the Tooth and Crown for Re-cementing
Before applying any temporary adhesive, both the inside of the crown and the underlying prepared tooth must be meticulously cleaned. Use a toothbrush, cotton swab, or toothpick to gently remove remnants of old cement, food particles, or debris from both surfaces. Any remaining material will prevent the crown from seating correctly, which can cause significant bite problems or crack the crown.
Once cleaned, inspect the crown for any visible cracks or distortions that may have occurred when it fell out. If the crown appears damaged, do not attempt to re-cement it, as a compromised crown must be replaced by your dentist.
Seating the Crown
The abutment tooth and the interior of the crown must be completely dried before applying the temporary cement, as moisture from saliva will weaken the bond. Use a cotton roll or gauze to absorb moisture from the surrounding area. Apply only a thin layer of temporary cement to the inner surface of the crown, avoiding the edges to prevent excess material from spilling onto the gums. Carefully place the crown onto the prepared tooth, pressing firmly and gently biting down to ensure it is fully seated and your bite feels normal.
The Importance of Professional Follow-Up
Temporarily re-cementing a crown is a short-term measure and is not a substitute for professional dental care. It is imperative to contact your dentist immediately after the crown comes off to schedule a follow-up appointment. Delaying this visit exposes the underlying tooth to the oral environment, increasing the risk of rapid decay and infection. The exposed abutment tooth lacks the protective enamel layer and is highly susceptible to bacteria and plaque accumulation.
If the crown is not seated perfectly straight, even with temporary cement, the misalignment can cause issues with your occlusion. This can potentially lead to pain in the jaw joint (TMJ) or damage to the opposing teeth. Your dentist will determine if the crown is still viable or if a new restoration is necessary. The temporary fix should only serve to protect your tooth until that professional assessment can occur.