A dental crown, often called a tooth cap, is a custom-made covering that restores a damaged or weakened tooth. When the crown falls off, the underlying natural tooth structure is exposed, causing immediate sensitivity and vulnerability to damage. This exposed tooth needs protection until you can see a dental professional. The guidance here is strictly for an urgent, temporary fix to manage discomfort until your scheduled dental appointment.
Preparing the Tooth and Cap for Reattachment
The first step in a temporary reattachment is to carefully recover the dislodged crown and inspect it for damage. You should gently rinse the crown under warm water to remove any food debris or saliva, placing a towel in the sink to prevent accidental loss or breakage if it slips. Next, inspect the inside of the cap to remove any remnants of the old dental cement, which will appear chalky or brittle. You can gently scrape this away with a toothpick or a clean cotton swab.
The exposed tooth preparation must also be cleaned gently, perhaps by rinsing the area with warm salt water to soothe and cleanse the site. Avoid aggressive brushing of the exposed tooth structure, as it is highly sensitive and susceptible to abrasion. After cleaning, both the inside of the crown and the tooth must be as dry as possible, as moisture significantly weakens the adherence of temporary cements. You can use a clean gauze pad or a tissue to carefully dry the surfaces. Before attempting to reattach, check both the tooth and the crown for any chips, fractures, or sharp edges; if the crown is visibly damaged or the underlying tooth is broken, do not proceed with a home fix and seek immediate dental help.
Step-by-Step Temporary Reattachment
To temporarily re-cement the crown, use an over-the-counter temporary dental cement kit specifically designed for dental use. Apply only a very small amount of cement to the inner surface of the crown, targeting the walls rather than filling the entire cap. Using too much cement prevents the crown from seating correctly and makes removing the excess difficult.
Carefully orient the crown, noting its specific fit, and align it over the prepared tooth. With gentle, steady pressure, push the crown back onto the tooth until it feels seated and secure. Once in place, lightly bite down for about 60 seconds to ensure it is fully seated. This action helps set the cement and confirms the crown is not “high,” which could interfere with your bite.
Immediately after seating, use a damp cotton swab or clean gauze to wipe away any excess cement that has squeezed out around the edges. Remove this overflow quickly before it fully hardens, as leaving it can irritate the gums. For the next few hours, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to allow the temporary cement adequate time to cure.
Essential Safety Guidelines and When to Seek Help
Never use household adhesives, such as superglue or other strong bonding agents, to reattach a dental crown. These products are toxic, not formulated for use inside the mouth, and can cause severe damage to the tooth structure. Using them can make the crown impossible for a dentist to re-cement later. This temporary fix is only intended to last a few days while you wait for a professional appointment.
While the crown is temporarily reattached, manage sensitivity by avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. Avoid all sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like caramel, nuts, or ice, as these can easily dislodge the temporary bond. If the exposed tooth or surrounding gum tissue develops severe, throbbing pain, visible swelling, or a fever, seek immediate attention for a potential infection. If the crown cannot be seated properly, if it has a post attached that is still in the tooth, or if you swallowed the crown, contact a dentist immediately.