When a tooth is injured, a quick home fix might seem appealing. However, teeth are intricate biological structures requiring specialized attention. Using household glues on dental injuries can lead to severe complications. Professional dental care is always the appropriate course of action.
Dangers of Household Adhesives
Attempting to reattach a tooth or a dental restoration with household adhesives like super glue poses risks. These glues contain chemicals such as cyanoacrylate, formaldehyde, acetic acid, or glycol ethers, not intended for oral use and toxic if ingested or absorbed by mucous membranes. Exposure to these substances can cause irritation, chemical burns to the tissues of the mouth, or even allergic reactions. Some glues also generate heat during curing, which can harm the tooth’s internal pulp.
Household glues cannot create a sterile or lasting bond in the moist environment of the mouth. Saliva, primarily water, can cause many superglues to degrade over time, making any repair temporary and ineffective. Such makeshift repairs can trap bacteria, leading to infections, tooth decay, or further damage. An improper bond might also complicate future professional dental treatment, making it more challenging or impossible for a dentist to restore the tooth.
When a Whole Tooth Comes Out
If a permanent tooth, including its root, comes completely out of its socket, this is an avulsed tooth and a dental emergency. Prompt action increases the chances of successful reimplantation by a dental professional. Handle the tooth only by its crown, the visible chewing surface, to avoid damaging the root. If dirty, gently rinse it with water or milk, but avoid scrubbing or using soap.
Ideally, reinsert the tooth into its socket immediately at the scene. If immediate reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist to preserve root surface cells. Suitable storage mediums include cold milk, saline solution, or placing it inside the cheek. Time is important; successful reimplantation is most likely if the tooth is reinserted within 30 minutes to one hour of the injury. At the dental office, the dentist will clean the tooth and socket, reposition it, and stabilize it with a flexible splint for several weeks to allow healing.
Repairing Chipped or Fractured Teeth
When a portion of a tooth is chipped or fractured, different professional dental solutions are available, depending on the extent and location of the damage. For minor chips, dental bonding is a common procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin. This resin is applied to the tooth, molded to the correct shape, and then hardened with a special light, effectively “gluing” the missing piece or building up the tooth. Bonding is a versatile and cost-effective option for small imperfections.
For more extensive damage, such as larger fractures or chips on front teeth, dental veneers or crowns may be recommended. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells, often made of porcelain or composite resin, that cover the entire front surface of the tooth. They are bonded to the tooth to restore its appearance and provide durability. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing or the tooth is weakened, a dental crown, which is a cap that covers the entire tooth, may be necessary to protect it and restore its function. These professional restorations use biocompatible materials and techniques designed for long-term stability and oral health, unlike household adhesives.