A temporary crown is a short-term dental restoration placed over a prepared tooth structure, or abutment, while a permanent crown is custom-made in a lab. This placeholder protects the underlying tooth from sensitivity, temperature changes, and potential damage until your next dental visit. Reattaching a dislodged temporary crown quickly is important. Immediate action prevents the exposed tooth from shifting position, which could compromise the fit of the final restoration, and keeps sensitive tissue from becoming irritated or infected. This at-home fix is always a temporary measure before seeing a dental professional.
Gathering Supplies and Preparing the Site
Before attempting to reattach the temporary crown, gather the necessary materials for a hygienic and successful temporary seal. The primary item required is an over-the-counter temporary dental cement or adhesive, which is specifically formulated for this purpose and available at most pharmacies. You will also need a small mirror for visibility, clean cotton swabs, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and water for cleansing.
Preparation requires ensuring both the crown and the underlying tooth are completely clean and dry. Use a soft brush or cotton swab to carefully remove any old dental cement or debris from the inside surface of the temporary crown. You can use a toothpick or a straightened paperclip to gently scrape out any remaining hardened adhesive inside the crown’s margins. Gently clean the tooth abutment in your mouth with a soft toothbrush and warm water. The site must be completely dry, as moisture prevents the temporary cement from bonding effectively.
Step-by-Step Reattachment Instructions
Once the temporary crown and the abutment are clean and dry, you are ready to apply the adhesive. The amount of temporary cement used is important for success, as too much will prevent the crown from seating correctly. Apply a small, thin ring of the dental cement only along the inner margin of the crown. Ensure you do not overfill the entire cavity, as this causes excessive overflow and can make cleanup difficult, potentially irritating the gum line.
With the cement applied, align the temporary crown precisely back onto the prepared tooth, using the mirror to ensure the correct orientation. Temporary crowns are designed to fit only one way, often with a longer side facing the cheek or lip. Gently press the crown into place using light, even pressure until it is fully seated against the gum line. Once the crown is positioned, bite down lightly and hold this pressure for the time specified in the cement’s instructions, which is typically between three to five minutes, allowing the material to set.
Carefully remove any excess cement that has squeezed out around the edges while the material is still pliable. Use a damp cotton swab or a piece of dental floss, gently pulling the floss out through the side rather than straight up to avoid dislodging the crown. A properly seated crown should feel stable, and your bite should feel normal without the crown feeling high or out of alignment.
Urgent Warnings and Dentist Follow-Up
Observe specific warnings when attempting this temporary fix to prevent damage to your tooth or crown. If the crown does not slide easily and seat completely, do not attempt to force it into position, as this could fracture the temporary material or damage the prepared tooth. Only use approved temporary dental cement or adhesive; household glues like super glue should never be used, as they are toxic and can cause irreparable harm to the tooth and gums.
Contact your dental office immediately after successfully reattaching the crown to schedule an appointment for professional re-cementation. Watch for signs of complications, such as sharp pain, increased sensitivity that lasts longer than a few minutes, or swelling in the surrounding gum tissue. Until your dentist can permanently secure the crown, avoid chewing on that side of the mouth and stick to a diet of soft foods.