How to Cement a Cap Without Taking It Off of the Tooth

A loose cap -- or crown as dentists call it -- can expose the tooth to moisture, air and other irritants. It is a good idea to keep it on if possible. If you can't get to the dentist right away, you can cement it back in place, even without taking it all the way off. Be sure to use the right materials, and you can have a much more comfortable wait for the dentist than you would with a loose cap.

Things You'll Need

• Temporary dental cement
• Denture cream
• Toothpaste
• Toothpick

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the loose cap in the mirror. Note how far you can lift it without actually removing it. If you can see a gap between the bottom of the cap and your gum, you can cement it back in place.

• 2

  Apply temporary dental cement to a toothpick. You can find temporary dental glues at a drug store. If you can't get any, use denture cream or toothpaste. Apply a small amount to the end of a toothpick.

• 3

  Lift the cap slightly, and work the toothpick into the gap between the cap and the gum. Try to push the toothpick all the way in until it touches the post under the cap. Move it around to spread the adhesive.

• 4

  Repeat the process on the other side of the cap. If you can reach in on the tongue side of the cap, apply adhesive by using your toothpick containing adhesive and sticking it into the gap formed when you lift the cap slightly. Do this within five minutes of the original application on the outside edge of the cap, so the first application of adhesive won't be dry.