Urgent dental care · Open today
Recementing Crowns or Bridges
A crown or bridge that has come off can often be cleaned and fitted back in place the same day. We check the tooth underneath, make sure the restoration still fits, and bond it back securely.
Same-day appointments · No registration required · Evenings & weekends
What this treatment is
Your crown or bridge back in place, and the tooth checked first
Crowns and bridges are held on with dental cement, and over time that cement can wash out, or the tooth underneath can decay or break, letting the restoration come loose. Left off, the tooth is exposed and can become sensitive, the neighbouring teeth can drift, and the crown may stop fitting. At your appointment we examine the tooth and the crown or bridge, take a radiograph where needed, and if both are sound we clean them and cement it back with a permanent cement. If the tooth has decayed or fractured, we explain what has happened and protect it while you decide on the next step.
- Often refitted the same day — if the tooth and the restoration are sound, it goes back on at the same appointment.
- The cause checked — we look for decay or fracture under the crown, so it is not refitted onto a problem.
- A secure, permanent bond — it is cleaned and cemented with a permanent cement, and your bite is checked before you leave.
Signs you need it
Come in if your crown or bridge has any of these
Keep the crown or bridge in a clean, dry container and bring it with you. Do not use superglue or household adhesive, as it can damage the tooth and stop the restoration fitting properly.
It has come off completely
01
The crown or bridge came away while eating, flossing or brushing, leaving the tooth underneath exposed.
It feels loose or moves
02
The restoration rocks when you bite, or you can feel it shift with your tongue.
Food is getting underneath
03
Food packs under the edge of the crown or bridge, a sign the cement seal has broken down.
The tooth is sensitive
04
Sharp pain from cold, air or sweet food on the tooth or teeth that support the restoration.
A bad taste or smell
05
An unpleasant taste or smell around the crown, which can mean decay or leakage underneath.
Your bite has changed
06
The crown or bridge feels higher or lower than it did, or your teeth no longer meet evenly.
What to expect
How the crown or bridge is recemented
Assessment and radiograph
STEP 01
We examine the tooth and the restoration and take a radiograph if needed to check for decay or fracture underneath.
Cleaning both surfaces
STEP 02
Old cement is removed from inside the crown or bridge and from the tooth, so it seats fully into its original position.
Recementing
STEP 03
The restoration is fitted back with a permanent cement and held in place while it sets. Excess cement is cleared from the gum line.
Checking the bite
STEP 04
We check that your bite feels right and that you can floss around the crown or bridge without catching.
Price & appointment length
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The fee covers the assessment, any radiograph needed, cleaning and recementing your crown or bridge. If the tooth underneath needs treatment, or a new crown is required, it is quoted and confirmed with you before we start.
| Appointment length | 30–45 minutes |
| Radiograph if needed | Included |
| Permanent cement | Included |
| Bite adjustment | Included |
| Registration | Not required |
Questions
Before you come in
Not sure whether your crown can be refitted? Call the practice and describe what has happened, and we will tell you what to expect.
Can every crown or bridge be refitted?
Many can. If the tooth underneath has decayed or broken, or the crown itself is cracked, it may not be safe to refit. We will explain the options, such as repairing the tooth and making a new crown, and protect it in the meantime.
Can I stick it back on myself?
Not with superglue or household adhesive. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it for a short time if you cannot get to us, but it should be checked and recemented properly as soon as possible.
My crown was fitted by another dentist. Can you help?
Yes. We regularly recement crowns and bridges placed by other practices. You do not need to be registered with us, and we can send a summary to your usual dentist.
Will it hurt?
Usually not. If the tooth is sensitive or still has its nerve, we can numb it first. Most recementing appointments are comfortable throughout.
How long until I can eat normally?
Wait at least an hour before eating, and avoid sticky or very hard food on that side for the first 24 hours while the cement fully sets.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.