Dental Glue for Crowns: Emergency Temporary Solutions

Dental Glue for Crowns: Emergency Temporary Solutions

Losing a dental crown is stressful and often painful. While seeing your dentist immediately is essential, temporary dental cement can provide relief and protection until your appointment. This guide covers safe temporary solutions for reattaching loose or fallen crowns, proper application techniques, and important safety considerations. Remember: temporary dental glue is NOT a permanent solution—always see your dentist within 24-48 hours.

Understanding Dental Crown Cement

Dental crowns are attached with professional cement formulated for strength, biocompatibility, and long-term oral environment exposure. When crowns loosen or fall off (due to decay, cement failure, or trauma), the gap exposes sensitive tooth structure. Temporary dental adhesive provides short-term protection and stabilization until professional recement. Over-the-counter products use zinc oxide or similar compounds that harden but remain removable by dentists.

Types of Temporary Dental Cement

• Zinc Oxide Cement: Most common OTC formula. Mix powder and liquid, apply to crown, seat on tooth. Sets in 5-10 minutes, lasts 3-7 days. Example: Recapit.
• Pre-Mixed Dental Adhesive: Ready-to-use paste in tube. Easy application, no mixing. Lower strength than zinc oxide. Example: Dentemp.
• Denture Adhesive: Not ideal but can work in emergency. Provides temporary hold but doesn't protect tooth. Use only if dental cement unavailable.
• Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Absolute emergency only. Provides minimal hold and no protection. Get to dentist immediately.

How to Temporarily Reattach a Crown

1. Clean the Crown: Gently rinse crown with warm water. Remove old cement or debris with soft toothbrush. Dry completely with tissue.
2. Clean the Tooth: Carefully remove any old cement from tooth surface. Rinse mouth with warm salt water. Dry tooth with cotton swab or gauze.
3. Test Fit Crown: Try crown on tooth before applying cement to ensure proper fit and orientation. Should seat fully without rocking.
4. Apply Small Amount of Cement: Fill crown about 1/3 full with dental adhesive. Don't overfill—excess cement is uncomfortable and difficult to remove.
5. Seat Crown Firmly: Position crown on tooth and bite down firmly but gently. Hold pressure for 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove Excess: Before cement sets, wipe away excess that squeezes out with damp cotton swab.
7. Let Set: Avoid chewing on that side for at least 1 hour. Follow product directions for full set time.
8. Schedule Dentist: Call your dentist immediately to schedule permanent recement within 24-48 hours.

Best Temporary Dental Cement Products

• Dentemp One Step: Pre-mixed formula, no mixing required. Easy application, works in seconds. 2-3 day hold. $8-10 per kit.
• Recapit Crown & Bridge Cement: Professional-quality zinc oxide cement. Strongest OTC option. Lasts up to 7 days. Requires mixing. $12-15 per kit.
• DenTek Temparin Max: Pre-mixed filling and crown cement. Dual purpose, contains oil of cloves for pain relief. $9-11 per kit.
• CVS/Walgreens Store Brand: Generic dental cement, usually zinc oxide formula. Budget option, works adequately. $6-8 per kit.

What NOT to Do

• Don't use super glue: Cyanoacrylate is toxic, can damage tooth and soft tissue, makes professional removal difficult.
• Don't use household adhesives: Craft glue, epoxy, or other adhesives are not safe for oral use.
• Don't swallow crown: If crown falls out while eating, remove it from mouth immediately. Swallowed crowns usually pass harmlessly but need replacement.
• Don't delay seeing dentist: Temporary cement is just that—temporary. Exposed tooth risks infection, further decay, and damage.
• Don't chew on temporary repair: Eat soft foods, chew on opposite side, avoid sticky foods.

When to See Emergency Dentist Immediately

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with OTC pain relievers
• Swelling, fever, or signs of infection
• Crown won't stay in place even with cement
• Visible decay or damage to underlying tooth
• Sharp edges causing tongue or cheek injury
• Sensitivity to hot/cold that prevents eating or drinking

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I use temporary dental cement?

Temporary cement is designed for 3-7 days maximum use. See your dentist within 24-48 hours for permanent recement. Extended use risks tooth decay, infection, or permanent tooth damage.

Can I eat with temporary dental cement?

Yes, but cautiously. Stick to soft foods, chew on the opposite side, avoid sticky or hard foods. Don't test the bond—treat it gently until dentist provides permanent fix.

Why did my crown fall off?

Common causes: cement failure over time, decay under crown loosening fit, trauma or grinding, poor original fit. Your dentist will identify the cause and address it during recement.

Is it safe to sleep with a loose crown?

If crown is very loose, remove it before sleeping to prevent swallowing or choking. Store in safe container and see dentist first thing in morning. If stable with temporary cement, you can sleep with it in place.

Will my dentist be able to remove temporary cement?

Yes, temporary dental cements are formulated to be removable by professionals. They'll clean both crown and tooth before applying permanent cement. Inform them you used temporary cement.

Disclaimer: This information is for emergency temporary use only. It does not replace professional dental care. Always see your dentist as soon as possible for proper crown recement. Prolonged use of temporary solutions can lead to serious dental problems.

While temporary dental cement provides valuable emergency relief, professional dental care is irreplaceable. Use these products only as a bridge until you can see your dentist. For adhesives for other applications, visit our adhesive database or use our material finder tool.