Losing a dental crown exposes the prepared tooth underneath, which can be stressful. Any home repair must be approached with extreme caution. The sole purpose of a temporary fix is to protect the underlying tooth structure from sensitivity and damage until you can see a professional. Understand that any at-home solution is strictly a temporary measure, not a permanent repair.
Safe Temporary Adhesives
The only products recommended for temporarily reattaching a dislodged crown are those specifically formulated for dental use and available over-the-counter (OTC). These specialized kits are designed to be biocompatible, meaning they are non-toxic and safe for the oral environment. They are typically found in the dental care aisle of most pharmacies and drugstores.
These temporary dental cements often use a zinc-oxide-based formula, sometimes combined with eugenol, which offers a mild, soothing effect on the exposed tooth. Crucially, their composition ensures a weak enough bond that a dentist can easily remove the crown without causing further damage. The temporary nature of these products is intentional, as they are meant to hold the crown in place for only a few days until professional care can be obtained.
Preparation Before Reattachment
Before applying any temporary adhesive, thoroughly cleaning both the crown and the exposed tooth, known as the abutment, is a mandatory step for a successful temporary placement. Old cement, food particles, or debris left inside the crown’s cavity will prevent it from seating properly, which could damage the tooth. Begin by gently rinsing the crown with warm water to remove any loose material.
Next, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste to carefully clean the inside of the crown and the surface of the abutment tooth. Remove all traces of the old cement from both surfaces without scratching the crown or irritating the gum tissue. After cleaning and rinsing, ensure the crown fits correctly over the tooth without any cement; if it does not fit snugly or if it appears cracked or distorted, do not attempt to reattach it.
Adhesives to Never Use
Avoid common household glues, as they pose serious risks to your oral health and can complicate future dental treatment. Products such as super glue (which contains cyanoacrylate), household epoxy, or modeling glue must never be used inside the mouth. These materials are not formulated for ingestion and can leach toxic chemicals into the body.
Using household adhesives creates a bond that is far too strong, making it incredibly difficult for a dentist to remove the crown later. Trying to break this bond can result in fracturing the crown, damaging the underlying tooth structure, or necessitating a costly tooth extraction. Furthermore, a permanent, non-dental adhesive can block the microscopic tubules in the underlying tooth, which a dentist needs access to for proper permanent re-cementation.
Why Immediate Dental Care is Necessary
The temporary reattachment of a crown is a short-term solution that buys you time, but it does not address the underlying cause of the crown failure. A dentist must examine the prepared tooth for new decay, which is a common reason for a crown to fall off. The tooth underneath the crown is highly vulnerable to bacterial infiltration and infection once the protective seal is broken.
Leaving the tooth exposed or relying on a temporary fix for too long allows the tooth to shift, meaning the original crown may no longer fit. The dentist will use a permanent dental cement, which forms a long-lasting, hermetic seal between the crown and the tooth structure. This professional-grade cement is specifically designed to prevent bacteria and fluids from leaking under the restoration, securing the tooth against further decay and ensuring the longevity of your crown.