A capsule is an artificial portion of a tooth that is attached to the real one. It is designed to last for a long time (although it is not eternal) when shaped and inserted by a dentist. Sometimes, however, it can come loose and come off, even if just biting into a crunchy food. Fortunately, it is possible to reposition an artificial crown temporarily until you can go to your dentist for a professional repair.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Check the Capsule and Tooth
Step 1. Remove the capsule from your mouth
Proceed carefully so you don't risk swallowing or dropping it. If you have to swallow it, don't worry: you are in no danger, but you will have to buy a new capsule.
If you have lost it, you can cover the surface of the real tooth with a dental cement that you can buy at the pharmacy, and seal the area in this way until the dentist can visit you and repair the damage
Step 2. Call your dentist as soon as possible
Losing the capsule is certainly not a dental emergency, but you should still contact a professional immediately who can provide you with all the instructions to take care of the tooth until the day of the appointment.
The tooth is weak, probably sensitive, and runs the risk of decaying during the time necessary for the preparation of the capsule; for this reason do not postpone and call the dentist to find a solution with him
Step 3. Check the tooth and crown
If both are not chipped, you may be able to temporarily reposition the capsule. If the crown is filled with hard material or contains a portion of a tooth, then call your dentist and do not attempt the repair yourself. However, most of the capsules are hollow.
Step 4. Be very careful until you can replace the crown
Keep it in a safe place so you don't lose it. Avoid chewing on the side of the "exposed" tooth to avoid cavities and further damage to the tooth.
Part 2 of 3: Temporarily Reseat the Capsule
Step 1. Clean the capsule
Carefully pull out the old adhesive cement, food and any material inside it (if possible) using a toothbrush, toothpick or dental floss, and finally rinse the capsule with water.
If you have decided to clean the crown above the sink, remember to close the drain to avoid losing it if it falls
Step 2. Clean the tooth
Use the toothbrush and dental floss to gently clean the now uncovered tooth. Remember that it may be very sensitive, but it is completely normal.
Step 3. Dry both the tooth and the capsule
For this operation take a sterile gauze and wipe the surface of the tooth and the artificial crown.
Step 4. Try inserting the crown without the adhesive
This allows you to understand if it is possible to reposition it. Insert it on the tooth and bite with extreme delicacy.
- You shouldn't feel that the capsule is too "tall" in relation to the other teeth. If so, you need to clean up the inside better.
- If the capsule does not fit well on the tooth, try turning it over. It was built to fit the original tooth stump perfectly, so it may take a few tries to get it right.
- If you can't fit it without adhesive, don't try to reposition it using dental glue.
Step 5. Choose a sticker
If you have managed to reposition the capsule without glue, then you can attempt to secure it to the stump below. Dental cements are designed for just this purpose, and will keep the crown in place; however, there are other materials that can fix the situation temporarily. Choose the sticker based on what you have available.
- Dental cement. You can probably buy it in the pharmacy, in the form of a "do-it-yourself" kit. It is a different product than denture glue, and it should be clearly indicated on the packaging that it is suitable for attaching detached crowns or caps. Some cements are two-component and must be mixed, while others are ready to use. Strictly follow the instructions included in the package.
- You can also use resin for temporary fillings. This product is also available in pharmacies.
- Denture glue can also be a valid solution.
- If you can't find dental cement, make a paste of water and flour and use it to fix the crown. Take a small amount of flour and mix it with a little water until it forms a smooth and not too thick paste.
- Do not use super glue or other home adhesives.
Step 6. Apply some of the adhesive of your choice to the capsule and place it gently on the tooth
Use just a drop of glue and smear it on the inside walls of the crown, it should be enough. A mirror is undoubtedly useful for this operation, especially if you have to insert the crown over a difficult-to-reach tooth. Eventually, ask someone for help.
Step 7. Gently close the dental arches
Bite gently to check the position and safety of the capsule and, at the same time, to lock it in its exact place.
Depending on the instructions provided by the type of cement you are using, it may be necessary to hold the pressure for a few minutes and then remove the excess adhesive that has gotten around the tooth and gum
Step 8. Use the dental floss carefully to remove excess cement that has lodged between the teeth
Do not pull on the floss to pull it out, but slide it gently while holding your teeth together. This way you avoid accidentally detaching the crown a second time.
Part 3 of 3: Waiting for the Dentist
Step 1. Make an appointment at the dentist's office
Although the temporarily repositioned capsule can last a few days or weeks (at best), you still need to see your dentist as soon as possible for a permanent repair.
Step 2. Eat and drink very carefully until the capsule is fixed by your doctor
Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Remember that the fixation is only temporary, so avoid hard and hard-to-chew foods until it's time to go to the dentist.
Step 3. Manage the pain
If the tooth and jaw are sensitive or you feel pain at the capsule site, then moisten a cotton ball with clove oil and gently place it against the gum and tooth. this way you numb the area. Clove oil is available in drugstores, health food stores, and health food stores.
