Ben and Gary Show - Episode 62

Do It Yourself (DIY) Dentistry

Wouldn't you know it? Your crown comes off, your filling comes out, or a tooth fractures. And you are nowhere near your dentist!

Time to learn a little DIY dentistry until you can get to see your dentist.

What to do if your crown falls off

You may be able to put back a loose crown using a little toothpaste to bond it in place. 

You may also use temporary dental cement that you can buy in a drug store. Make sure you read the directions. Make sure you align the crown with the tooth as this is a tight bond. No second chances!

You may also be able to reset the crown with denture adhesive.

Be sure not to overfill the crown no matter which DIY you choose. The excess will ooze out and irritate your gums.

No superglue, please. Even if you manage to place the crown without gluing it to your fingers, it will be hard for us to remove it without damaging the crown.

If the crown is broken or damaged, leave it out.

Time is of the essence. Teeth move. The tooth without its crown or the one opposite may move or further erupt, necessitating reshaping the tooth and crown.

 What to do if your filling falls out or a tooth fractures

There are some DIY repairs that can be used for a lost filling or a cracked tooth. Perhaps a better option is just to cover the rough surface with wax.