Losing a dental crown can be a startling experience, often revealing a sensitive tooth structure underneath. While the immediate impulse is to secure the restoration permanently, any home repair must be viewed as strictly temporary. The sole purpose of a home fix is to protect the exposed tooth and surrounding gum tissue until a dentist can provide a professional, lasting solution.
Immediate First Aid Steps
Upon losing a crown, remain calm and carefully retrieve the restoration. Rinse the crown gently with warm water to remove debris. Avoid scrubbing the inside of the crown, as this could damage the surface necessary for re-cementation.
The exposed tooth should also be gently cleaned by rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. This area, often composed of dentin, will likely be sensitive to temperature and air, and keeping it clean helps reduce the risk of irritation. If the crown is visibly damaged, cracked, or if the underlying tooth appears broken, store the crown safely and contact your dentist immediately.
If the crown appears intact and fits back onto the tooth without force, you can proceed with a temporary measure to cover the sensitive area. If the crown does not seat easily, forcing it could cause injury to the tooth or the restoration itself. In this scenario, it is better to leave the crown off and protect the exposed tooth with a small piece of dental wax or sugar-free gum until a dental appointment.
Safe Temporary Dental Adhesives
The safest material to temporarily reattach a crown is an over-the-counter dental cement kit. These kits are specifically formulated for oral use and are available at most pharmacies. The active ingredients are typically zinc oxide-based, sometimes combined with eugenol, which offers a mild, soothing effect on the tooth nerve.
To apply the temporary cement, first ensure both the crown and the tooth are clean and dry, perhaps by gently patting the tooth with a clean cloth. Only a very small amount of the mixed cement should be placed along the inside rim of the crown. The crown is then carefully pressed back onto the tooth, ensuring it is fully seated in its original position.
Once seated, bite down gently for a minute or two to ensure proper placement as the material begins to set. Excess material that squeezes out around the edges must be carefully wiped away with a cotton swab or toothpick. If a commercial temporary cement is unavailable, a thin smear of denture adhesive or even a tiny dab of toothpaste can provide a short-term, non-toxic seal.
Why You Must Avoid Household Glues
Never use common household adhesives, such as super glue (cyanoacrylate), epoxy, or craft glue, to reattach a dental crown. These products are not formulated for internal use and contain substances that are toxic when ingested or absorbed by the body’s soft tissues. The chemicals can cause severe irritation to the gums, cheeks, and tongue.
A significant risk with household glues is the potential for irreversible damage to the underlying tooth structure. Many of these adhesives bond too strongly, which can prevent the dentist from safely removing the crown without fracturing the restoration or the tooth. Furthermore, the heat generated by the curing process of some glues, known as an exothermic reaction, can damage the delicate pulp tissue inside the tooth, potentially necessitating a root canal procedure.
Household glues also create a thick, uneven layer that prevents the crown from seating correctly. This improper fit leaves micro-gaps between the crown and the tooth, compromising the seal. These gaps become collection points for bacteria and food debris, leading to rapid decay of the exposed dentin and creating a high spot that can disrupt the bite and cause pain.
The Importance of Professional Recementation
While a temporary fix protects the tooth, it cannot replicate the tight, sealed fit achieved by a dental professional. A dentist will first thoroughly clean both the crown and the prepared tooth, removing old cement and checking for any new decay that may have caused the crown to fail. The underlying tooth structure must be sound before the crown can be reattached.
The professional process involves using specialized, medical-grade dental cements, such as resin-modified glass ionomer or permanent resin cement, designed for durability and biocompatibility. These permanent cements create a lasting, sealed margin that prevents oral bacteria and moisture from penetrating the junction. The dentist also checks the occlusion, ensuring the recemented crown does not interfere with the patient’s bite, which helps prevent future dislodgement.