A dental crown is a type of dental restoration placed over a tooth to restore its health, functionality, and aesthetics. However, sometimes dental crowns can fall off or become loose for various reasons. In such a situation, it is important to consult a dentist to reattach the fallen dental crown. However, if you are in an emergency situation or cannot reach a dentist immediately, you can temporarily reattach the fallen dental crown yourself. In this article, you will learn step-by-step how to temporarily reattach a fallen dental crown.
Causes of a Fallen Dental Crown
First, it’s important to understand why the dental crown fell off in the first place. The primary reasons for a fallen dental crown can include:
- Age of the Crown: Dental crowns can wear out and weaken over time, which can lead to them falling off.
- Inadequate Adhesive Use: Your dentist may have used inadequate adhesive when placing the dental crown.
- Changes in the Tooth: Teeth can naturally change in size or shape over time, which can prevent the crown from fitting properly.
- Damage to the Crown: If the dental crown is accidentally chipped or damaged, it may become more likely to fall off.
Steps to Reattach a Fallen Dental Crown Temporarily
To temporarily reattach a fallen dental crown, you can follow these steps:
- Cleanliness: First, you should clean the tooth where the dental crown will be placed and the crown itself. Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and using dental floss.
- Cleaning the Crown: Thoroughly clean the fallen dental crown and dry it. You can use a clean cloth or dental floss to remove any adhesive or residue.
- Choosing Temporary Adhesive: You can use temporary dental crown adhesive available at pharmacies or dental supply stores. Ensure that the adhesive is suitable for dental crowns.
- Applying Adhesive: Apply a thin layer of the chosen adhesive to the inner surface of the dental crown. Avoid using excessive adhesive, as it can cause the crown to fit poorly.
- Placing the Crown: After applying the adhesive, position the dental crown over the tooth and gently press or bite down to seat it in place.
- Removing Excess Adhesive: Remove any excess adhesive that may have seeped out from the crown. This step is crucial to ensure the proper fit of the fallen dental crown.
- Allowing Adhesive to Dry: Allow the adhesive to fully dry. The drying time may vary depending on the type of adhesive used, but it generally dries within a few minutes.
- Dental Appointment: It is essential to consult a dentist for a permanent solution and repair. Temporary reattachment is only a short-term fix, and your dentist may need to create a new crown if necessary.
Keep in mind that these steps provide a temporary solution. For a permanent fix and proper evaluation of the dental crown’s condition, it is crucial to consult a dentist. The dentist will assess the situation and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include creating a new dental crown if needed.