If your dental crown becomes loose or comes off altogether, it is important to have this crown reattached as soon as possible. Leaving the crown off can result in tooth pain, cause food particles to become lodged below the gums, and cause damage to the underlying tooth or implant. Unfortunately, getting to the dentist right away may not always be possible. That is why it is important for you to know the three-step process to temporarily reattach your dental crown until you are able to see a dentist. 

What You Will Need

In order to temporarily reattach dental crowns, you will need a few basic supplies. You will likely have most of these materials on hand. 

• Toothpaste
• Soft Toothbrush
• Warm Salt Water
• Dental Cement (Can Be Purchased At Drugstore Or Supermarket)
• Cotton Swabs

Step 1: Cleaning Your Mouth And Crown

The first thing you will need to do is to ensure both your mouth and your dental crown are clean. Begin by brushing your teeth just as you normally would. Next, gargle with warm salt water. This will help to break down and dislodge any remaining food particles. Finally, use your toothbrush and some warm water to gently clean both the inside and outside of your dental crown. It is very important to ensure you do not miss any food particles or plaque so be sure to take your time and thoroughly complete this step. 

Step 2: Attaching The Crown

Once your mouth and crown are thoroughly cleaned, it will be time to reattach the crown to your tooth or implant. This is done by placing a small amount of dental cement inside the crown. With the dental cement in place, position the crown over your tooth or implant and firmly press down. To ensure the crown is fully seated, you will want to bite down naturally once the crown is in place. Continue biting down to apply pressure to the crown for a few minutes in order to give the dental cement time to fully adhere. 

Step 3: Removing Any Excess Cement

When reattaching your dental crown you will likely see some dental cement ooze out of the sides of the crown as you bite down. The final step in this process will be to remove this excess cement. This can be done by using a moist cotton swab to wipe away any excess. You should not attempt to remove this excess by rinsing your entire mouth since you will need to allow the cement to fully dry before you can eat or drink anything.