A sudden dental issue, such as a fractured tooth, lost filling, or dislodged crown, requires a temporary fix before professional care can be obtained. While the instinct may be to reach for a strong household adhesive, the choice of material for oral application requires extreme caution. Only products specifically designed for use within the mouth are safe for this temporary purpose. This distinction is a fundamental safety barrier protecting your oral health.
Dangers of Using Non-Dental Adhesives
Using common household adhesives like super glue (which contains cyanoacrylate) is highly discouraged for any dental repair. These products contain toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde or acetic acid, that are not safe for ingestion or prolonged contact with oral tissues. Exposure can lead to severe localized irritation, chemical burns on the gums, and potential systemic toxicity if swallowed.
A significant danger lies in the chemical process of polymerization, which is how many strong glues set. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it generates heat upon curing. When applied to a tooth, this heat can cause irreversible thermal damage to the nerve tissue in the underlying dentin and pulp chamber. Such damage often necessitates a root canal procedure or, in severe cases, tooth extraction.
Non-dental glues are designed for permanence and are insoluble in oral fluids, making them extremely difficult for a dentist to remove. The hardened material complicates professional repair, potentially causing further damage to the tooth or restoration during removal. The specialized tools and time required to safely dissolve the non-soluble glue increase the complexity and cost of the final treatment.
FDA-Approved Temporary Dental Cements
A safe alternative involves using over-the-counter (OTC) products found in temporary dental repair kits. These materials are specifically formulated to be biocompatible and non-toxic, meaning they will not harm the mouth’s soft tissues or tooth structure. These approved cements are widely available and serve as a stopgap measure until a dentist can provide a permanent solution.
These temporary cements are typically zinc-based compounds, such as zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) or zinc polycarboxylate, designed for easy removal by a dental professional. ZOE is oil-based and contains eugenol, which offers a soothing effect on exposed dental nerve endings. Their formulation provides a gentle, temporary bond that seals the exposed tooth or holds the restoration in place.
The design of these temporary materials protects the tooth from further decay or trauma, but does not provide a long-term bond. They possess low compressive strength and higher solubility compared to permanent dental materials, meaning they will eventually wear down. This characteristic ensures the cement will not interfere with the permanent restoration process.
Applying Temporary Fixes: Crowns, Fillings, and Dentures
Successfully applying a temporary fix requires careful preparation of the tooth and the appliance.
Loose Crowns
For a loose crown, retrieve it and gently clean the inside to remove any old cement. Thoroughly clean the prepared tooth stump with a soft brush. Apply only a small, pea-sized amount of temporary dental cement inside the crown, ensuring the material covers the inner walls without overfilling.
Guide the crown back onto the tooth in the correct orientation, then bite down gently to fully seat it and squeeze out excess cement. Immediately use a damp cotton swab or gauze to wipe away all extruded material from the margins around the gum line before it sets. Excess cement left behind can irritate the gums and complicate professional reseating.
Lost Fillings and Dentures
If you have lost a filling or have a small chip, the temporary cement can plug the exposed area and protect the sensitive inner dentin. Roll the material into a small ball and carefully press it into the cavity, ensuring it is flush with the surrounding tooth surface. For loose dentures or partials, specialized denture adhesive or dental cement can be applied to the fitting surface for stability until professional repair. These home repairs are fragile and generally only reliable for a few days, requiring you to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Immediate Steps After Dental Damage
The immediate actions taken following dental damage are crucial for the tooth’s long-term prognosis. If a piece of your natural tooth has broken off, retrieve it immediately and handle it carefully by the chewing surface, avoiding the root. Preserve the fragment in a moist environment to keep the periodontal ligament cells viable, ideally in milk, sterile saline solution, or held inside your cheek.
Pain and sensitivity are common, especially if the dentin is exposed. These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can also help cleanse the area and reduce inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue. The most important action is contacting a dental professional immediately for an urgent appointment.
Delaying professional care, even if a temporary fix feels secure, significantly increases the risk of complications. An exposed tooth is susceptible to bacterial contamination and infection, which can quickly lead to a painful abscess or necessitate more invasive treatment. The temporary fix serves only to keep the tooth stable and protected while arrangements for permanent repair are made.