How to Glue Crown Tooth: Emergency Reattachment Guide

How to Glue Crown Tooth: Emergency Reattachment Guide

A dental crown falling off is both uncomfortable and concerning. When you can't see a dentist immediately, knowing how to safely and temporarily reattach your crown provides relief and protects the exposed tooth. This detailed guide walks you through the emergency reattachment process, proper materials to use, and crucial safety considerations. Remember: this is a temporary fix—schedule your dentist appointment as soon as possible.

Why Dental Crowns Fall Off

Dental crowns become loose or detach for several reasons: cement breakdown after years of use, new decay forming under the crown, crown damage from grinding or trauma, or improper original fit. When a crown falls off, the underlying tooth structure becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity, pain, and risk of further damage. Temporary reattachment protects the tooth until professional recement can be performed.

Materials You'll Need

• Temporary Dental Cement: Available at drugstores. Look for Dentemp, Recapit, or DenTek brands. Cost: $8-15.
• Cotton Swabs: For cleaning and drying tooth and crown.
• Tissue or Gauze: To dry surfaces and remove excess cement.
• Warm Water: For rinsing mouth and crown.
• Soft Toothbrush: To gently clean crown interior and tooth surface.
• Mirror: To see clearly what you're doing.

Step-by-Step Crown Reattachment

1. Examine the Crown and Tooth

Check crown for cracks or damage. Inspect inside of crown for old cement. Look at exposed tooth for decay or damage. If tooth appears severely damaged or decayed, see emergency dentist immediately rather than attempting reattachment.

2. Clean the Crown

Rinse crown under warm water. Use soft toothbrush to gently remove old cement and debris from inside crown. Be thorough but gentle to avoid scratching crown. Dry completely with tissue—crown must be totally dry for cement to bond.

3. Clean the Tooth

Rinse mouth with warm water. Gently brush exposed tooth to remove food particles. Don't scrub hard—exposed tooth may be sensitive. If old cement remains on tooth, try to remove gently. Dry tooth with cotton swab or gauze—moisture prevents cement from setting properly.

4. Test Fit the Crown

Before applying cement, test how crown fits on tooth. It should seat completely with correct orientation. Note which way crown fits—you'll need to position it correctly when wet cement is inside. If crown doesn't fit properly, don't force it. This indicates the problem requires professional attention.

5. Apply Temporary Cement

Follow product directions for mixing (if required). Place small amount of cement inside crown—fill about 1/4 to 1/3 full. Using too much cement creates uncomfortable excess that's hard to remove. Too little cement won't hold crown securely.

6. Position and Seat Crown

Place crown on tooth in correct orientation. Press down firmly but gently. Bite down with moderate pressure. Don't bite hard enough to cause pain. Hold steady pressure for 1-2 minutes while cement begins to set.

7. Remove Excess Cement

While cement is still soft, use damp cotton swab to wipe away excess that squeezed out around crown edges. This prevents hardened cement from irritating gums or interfering with bite. Work quickly before cement hardens completely.

8. Let Cement Set

Keep mouth open slightly to avoid disturbing crown. Don't close teeth completely or chew for at least 30-60 minutes. Follow specific product instructions for full set time. Most temporary cements set in 10-30 minutes but reach full strength in 1-2 hours.

9. Test Gently

After set time, gently close teeth to check bite. Crown should feel comfortable and secure. If bite feels high or uncomfortable, see dentist soon—don't try to adjust crown yourself.

Caring for Temporary Crown Repair

• Chew on opposite side of mouth
• Avoid sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy)
• Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice)
• Brush gently around crown area
• Use warm salt water rinses to keep area clean
• Take OTC pain relievers if needed for sensitivity
• Schedule dentist appointment within 24-48 hours

Warning Signs—See Dentist Immediately

• Crown won't stay attached even with cement
• Severe pain not controlled by OTC medication
• Visible decay, cracks, or damage to tooth
• Swelling, fever, or pus (signs of infection)
• Crown feels sharp or cuts tongue/cheek
• Numbness or tingling (nerve involvement)

What NOT to Use

Never use these products to reattach dental crowns:

• Super glue (cyanoacrylate)—toxic and damages tooth
• Gorilla glue or other household adhesives—not safe for oral use
• Epoxy—toxic and impossible for dentist to remove
• Denture adhesive alone—won't protect tooth properly
• Toothpaste—provides no hold and doesn't protect

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will temporary dental cement hold my crown?

Quality temporary cement can hold 3-7 days, but you should see your dentist within 24-48 hours. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of tooth damage, decay, or permanent crown loss.

Can I use super glue in an emergency?

Absolutely not. Super glue is toxic, can burn soft tissue, damages tooth enamel, and makes professional removal extremely difficult. It can cause permanent harm. Always use dental cement specifically made for temporary crown reattachment.

What if my crown keeps falling off?

If crown won't stay attached even with cement, there's likely significant decay or damage preventing proper fit. See dentist immediately—tooth may need crown replacement or other treatment. Don't repeatedly try to reattach failing crown.

Can I eat normally with temporary cement?

No. Limit yourself to soft foods, chew on opposite side, avoid anything sticky or hard. Temporary cement is much weaker than permanent dental cement and can fail under normal chewing stress.

Will temporary cement damage my crown or tooth?

No. OTC temporary dental cements are designed to be completely removable by dentists without damaging crown or tooth. They're formulated specifically for safe short-term use in the mouth.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide provides emergency first-aid information only. It is not a substitute for professional dental care. Temporary crown reattachment is meant only to provide relief and protection until you can see your dentist. Delaying professional care can result in tooth loss, infection, or other serious complications.

While temporary crown reattachment provides crucial emergency relief, only your dentist can provide permanent solutions. Don't delay professional care—your long-term dental health depends on it. For other adhesive needs, explore our adhesive database.