I have a front tooth that just broke this morning, and I want to glue it back in place. Please do not recommend an emergency dentist because I do not have the time or money to get to a dentist right now. The lower-left corner broke, but I have the piece of tooth. It is a decent size chunk. In June, I should be able to afford a dentist and get time off from work. What are the pros and cons of gluing the piece back on myself? Thanks. Kevin from TN
Kevin,
We cannot give you instructions for gluing a tooth. You need to see an emergency dentist. There are no pros to gluing the broken piece of the tooth back on. We will briefly give you three reasons to see a dentist instead of trying to resolve it yourself.
Can You Glue a Tooth Back in Place?
You cannot glue a tooth back in place and get lasting results. Using glue in your mouth will create other oral health problems. And your delay in seeing a dentist can result in intense pain and costly treatment. We will explain.
Glue Does not Belong in Your Mouth
Glue is not for use in your mouth. It can be toxic. You may create more problems than you solve if you try to glue the tooth back together. Besides, your saliva will prevent a do-it-yourself fix from staying in place. You may also damage your tooth even further.
It Can Get Worse
A break in your tooth can get worse if it is not properly restored. The tooth can weaken and become infected. You can end up losing the tooth altogether. It is possible that your tooth has internal damage already.
It Is More Expensive to Wait
If you have lost a chunk of your tooth, there is no way you can continue to avoid seeing a dentist. Eventually, the broken tooth will become so painful that you will need to see a dentist to relieve it. As the condition of the tooth worsens, it will become more costly and more time-consuming to repair. If you wait too long and a dentist must remove your tooth, there will be additional costs to replace it.
You can find a dentist who will offer payment plans or other arrangements to help you get the care you need. See an emergency dentist right away.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited Fellow and Monroe, Louisiana dentist, Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.
