How to Set a Gold Dental Crown

Gold crowns are cemented and pressed onto your tooth until they set.

When you have a cavity or other obstruction in your tooth, you may need to have it restored with a crown. A gold dental crown is shaped on your tooth and set with dental cement. Over time, or perhaps while chewing a tough food, the crown can pop off the tooth. You may need to temporarily set the tooth yourself if you don't have immediate access to a dentist.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Dental scraper
• Mirror
• Paper towel
• Temporary filling cement
• Q-tip

Instructions

1. Clean the obstruction in the tooth with your toothbrush. Wet it with water and brush lightly.

2. Floss around the tooth gently.

3. Scrape the leftover cement away with the dental scraper. Flush the tooth with water.

4. Scrape any leftover cement away from the underside of the crown. Flush it with water.

5. Fit the crown to your tooth. Try placing it from several positions, straight down or from either side. Close your mouth and bite down gently to make sure the crown is in the right position. You should be able to bite and close your mouth comfortably.

6. Mix the cement. The instructions will be on the package.

7. Dry the tooth and the crown with a paper towel just before cementing.

8. Fill the crown with cement. Place it on your tooth. Bite down for approximately five minutes. Different brands of cement may call for different times.

9. Wipe away excess cement around the teeth and gums with a Q-tip.

10. Floss gently between the tooth with the crown on either side to remove cement traces. Flush your mouth with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek professional repairs as soon as possible.

References

• Animated Teeth: The Crown Procedure
• WebMD: Dental Crowns
• "Understanding Dental Health"; Francis G. Serio; 1998