If you have lost the crown, you can coat the tooth surface with an over-the-counter dental cement (available at many pharmacies) to temporarily seal the area until a dentist can repair it.
Your tooth will be weak, possibly sensitive, and at a greater risk of decay until the crown is fully prepared so do not delay in contacting your dentist for a solution. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your crown may be attached to a metal post, and it is hard to fit the sharp tip into the right place, especially if the crown is on a molar. Contact your dentist for the best guidance.
Try using a paperclip or a toothpick to remove excess cement from the crown. [7] X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Interview. 5 November 2020. If you clean the crown and tooth over a sink, make sure to plug it first so that you don’t accidentally drop it down the drain.
The crown should not feel like it is sitting higher than your other teeth. If it does, it may need to be cleaned further. If the crown does not seem to fit right one way, turn it and try another way. It is designed to fit securely, so it may take some time to get it properly in place. If you cannot fit the crown in place without cement, do not try to fit it in with cement.
Use dental cement for a temporary fix. You can find this at most pharmacies or grocery stores. [12] X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Interview. 5 November 2020. This is different than denture cream; the container of dental cement should be labeled as a fix for a crown or cap that has fallen off. Some cements have to be mixed, while others are pre-mixed. Follow directions carefully. You can also use temporary dental filling material. This is also widely available at pharmacies. Denture adhesive will also work in a pinch. [13] X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Interview. 5 November 2020. If you can’t get denture cement, a loose slurry of flour and water can be used instead. [14] X Research source Mix a small amount of flour and water together to make a smooth, loose paste. Try using sugar-free gum if you just need to hold the crown in place for a short time. [15] X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Interview. 5 November 2020. Do not use superglue or household adhesives to hold the crown in place. [16] X Research source While many people are tempted to do this, it can irritate your tissue and tooth. Doing this is worse than going without a crown for a little while.
Be patient—it can sometimes take a few tries to ensure that the crown fits well. [18] X Expert Source Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MSBoard Certified Dentist & Oral Surgeon Expert Interview. 5 November 2020.
Before fitting the crown, dry the area with gauze or a towel to clean any saliva in that area. You want the area to be totally dry. Depending on the directions provided with the particular cement you are using, you may need to clamp down on the crown for a few minutes, then carefully remove any excess cement from around the tooth or gum.
