Dental crowns (denture crowns) are artificial parts of teeth that are installed to replace natural teeth. These teeth are designed as a long term (though not permanent) solution when made and installed by a dentist. However, sometimes these teeth can become loose or fall out, even as a result of something as simple as biting into crunchy food. Fortunately, dental crowns can be kept in place temporarily until the dentist can install or replace them.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Checking the Crown and Teeth
Step 1. Remove the crown from the mouth
Carefully remove the crown from the mouth so that it does not fall or be swallowed. If it is swallowed, do not worry because these teeth are not harmful. However, the crown needs to be replaced.
If you've lost your crown, you can coat the surface of the tooth with commercial dental cement (available at pharmacies) to temporarily seal the area until your dentist can repair it
Step 2. Call the dentist as soon as possible
Losing a crown is not an emergency. However, you should still contact your dentist so that the crown can be repaired. The doctor will be able to tell you what needs to be done and how to treat it until it can be fixed.
Teeth will be weak and possibly sensitive, and more susceptible to decay until the crown is fully prepared so contact your dentist as soon as possible for a solution
Step 3. Check the tooth and crown area
If no part has come out of the tooth or crown, the crown should be able to be temporarily put back into place. Call your dentist and don't try to place a crown if it's filled with hard material or part of the tooth, instead of empty.
Crowns can be attached to metal rods, and it can be difficult to fit the sharp edges into place, especially if the crown is on the molars. Contact a dentist for best results
Step 4. Watch out until you can put the crown back in
Tighten the crown in place until it can be reattached and gone. Do not bite with a tooth that has lost a crown until it can be reattached. This prevents tooth decay and further decay.
Part 2 of 3: Temporarily Fixing the Crown in Place
Step 1. Clean the crown
Carefully remove used cement, food, or other material from the crown, and if possible, use a toothbrush, toothpick, or dental floss before rinsing the crown with water.
If you're cleaning crowns and teeth in a sink, be sure to plug them first so they don't fall out and enter the drain
Step 2. Clean the teeth
Using a toothbrush and dental floss, carefully clean the tooth that has lost the crown. These teeth will be sensitive, which is normal.
Step 3. Dry the tooth and crown
Use sterile gauze to dry the crown and tooth area.
Step 4. Try to fit the crown to the tooth without the aid of adhesive
Testing the crown with a dry fit will help ensure it can be put back in place. Put the crown in place and bite it very slowly.
- The crown should not feel like it sits higher than the rest of the teeth. If so, you will need to clean it further.
- If the crown doesn't seem to fit in one direction, turn it and try another. Crowns are designed to fit tightly so it can take some time to fit in the teeth.
- If the crown doesn't fit snugly without cement, don't try to prop it up with cement.
Step 5. Choose adhesive
If you have successfully placed the crown in a dry fit, then you can try gluing it to the tooth underneath. Dental cement is designed for this task and is best suited for attaching crowns, although other materials can be used in an emergency. Choose an adhesive based on its availability.
- Use dental cement. You may be able to get it at the pharmacy. This cement is different from denting cream; Dental cement packaging should state that the product is used to repair a fallen crown or cap. Some of the cement must be mixed, while others have already been mixed. Follow the usage guide carefully.
- You can also use dental fillings, which are also widely sold in pharmacies.
- Denture adhesive can also be used.
- If you can't get dented cement, try using a mixture of flour and water. Mix a small amount of flour and water together to make a smooth, loose paste.
- Try not to use super glue or home adhesive to secure the crown. Although many people are tempted to do this, it can irritate the tissues and teeth, which is worse than not wearing a crown for a while.
Step 6. Apply the adhesive of choice to the crown and carefully attach it to the tooth
Just lightly tap the adhesive on the interior surface of the crown. Look in the mirror when placing crowns, especially if the teeth are difficult to reach. You can also ask other people for help.
Step 7. Tap the teeth together
Bite gently to test the position and fit of the crown, and snap it into place.
- Before fitting the crown, dry the area with gauze or a towel to remove any saliva in the area. Preferably the area is completely dry.
- Depending on the direction of the cement product you are using, you will need to clamp the crown for a few minutes, then remove any excess cement from around the teeth or gums.
Step 8. Floss carefully to remove any remaining cement between the teeth
Do not pull on the threads to remove the cement; instead, tuck it between your teeth as you bite gently. This prevents you from accidentally losing the crown again.
Part 3 of 3: Waiting for Treatment from the Dentist
Step 1. Make an appointment with the dentist
While temporary crowns can last for days or weeks, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible for a permanent solution.
Step 2. Eat and drink carefully until the crown is fixed by the dentist
Avoid eating with the side of the mouth fitted with a crown. Remember that the crown is only a temporary solution so avoid hard food or chewing until you see a dentist.
Step 3. Manage the pain
If your teeth or jaw are sensitive to pain or feel sore from the temporary solution, pat clove oil on a cotton swab and gently apply it to the gums and teeth area. This step will numb the area. Clove oil can be purchased at the pharmacy, or in the condiments section of the supermarket.
