Dental glue, also known as dental cement, is used for a variety of purposes in dentistry. Some common uses include securing crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays, veneers and other restorations. Dental glue comes in various formulations for different applications. While it provides an important function in dental work, you may eventually need to remove dental glue if a restoration needs to be repaired or replaced.
Why would you need to remove dental glue?
There are a few main reasons why you may need to remove dental glue:
- To replace a loose crown, bridge, veneer, etc. Over time, dental restorations can become loose due to chewing forces, changes in the fit of the tooth and restoration, or decay around the edges. If this happens, the restoration needs to be removed and replaced.
- To access decay under a restoration. If decay occurs under an existing crown, onlay, etc., the glue will need to be removed to get to the decay and repair it.
- To replace an old, worn restoration. Dental restorations are not meant to last forever. At some point, an old crown or veneer may need to be replaced due to wear, staining, or other issues. The old glue will need removal.
- To re-cement a restoration. Sometimes dental glue washes out from under a restoration over time. If the restoration is still in good shape, the dentist may be able to simply re-cement it in place after removing the old glue.
In most cases, only your dentist should remove dental glue. Trying to pry off a dental restoration yourself is not recommended, as you could damage your tooth or the restoration. Let your dentist assess the situation and remove any failing restorations.
What tools and methods can dentists use?
Dentists have a few different tools and methods they can use to safely break the bond of dental glue and remove restorations or access decay:
- Hand scaler: This dental instrument has a sharp, hooked metal tip that can be worked carefully under the edge of a restoration to start breaking the glue seal.
- Ultrasonic scaler: The high-frequency vibrations of this scaler can help loosen glue bonds.
- Dental drill: A small dental drill made especially for removing restorations can be used to grind away dental cement around a restoration.
- Crown remover: This tool wedges between the crown and tooth to break the glue bond.
- Laser: A dental laser can be very precise at targeting and dissolving cement lines.
The dentist will choose the best method based on the specific situation. Sometimes a combination of tools is used. The goal is to disturb the old glue seals as little as possible. The dentist wants to conserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
What should you expect during the procedure?
Having dental glue removed is usually quick and painless. Here’s what to expect:
- The dentist will likely give you a local anesthetic to numb the area first.
- They will then select the best tool(s) and methodically work around the edges of the restoration to dissolve the bonds.
- You may feel some vibration or pressure as the tools contact the restoration, but no pain due to the numbing.
- Once the glue bonds have been broken, the dentist will use specialized dental instruments to safely lift the restoration off the tooth.
- After the restoration is removed, the dentist will examine the underlying tooth. If decay is present, this will be removed and repaired with a filling material.
- A new dental restoration will then be fabricated and cemented into place on a follow-up visit.
The whole process of removing the old glue and restoration usually takes less than an hour. While the tools make a noticeable sound, there is minimal if any discomfort.
What kind of glue will the dentist use for the new restoration?
There are many options when it comes to selecting dental glue. Factors like strength, solubility, setting time, and material compatibility come into play. Some common types of modern dental cements include:
| Cement Type | Properties | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc phosphate | Strong, insoluble, releases fluoride | Crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays |
| Glass ionomer | Bonds to both enamel and dentin, releases fluoride | Some crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers |
| Resin-modified glass ionomer | Bonds well to tooth structure, insoluble | Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays |
| Resin cement | Excellent bond strength, aesthetic results, some are self-adhesive | Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, posts |
The dentist will select a cement option suitable for the specific restoration material as well as features like strength and tooth location. The new glue provides a tight, long-lasting bond.
What steps can help prolong the life of dental restorations?
While it’s inevitable that dental glue will eventually fail, there are steps you can take to get the maximum lifespan out of your restorations:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss thoroughly to keep the area around restorations plaque-free.
- See your dentist regularly: Get professional cleanings every 6 months and have the dentist evaluate all restorations.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods: Chewing hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels can crack dental glue seals.
- Watch for signs of trouble: If you notice cracks, looseness, or changes in the contacts between teeth, get to the dentist promptly.
- Get loose restorations fixed ASAP: The longer a loose crown or veneer goes unfixed, the higher the chance the tooth underneath will become damaged.
Taking good care of your restorations and seeing your dentist at the first sign of problems can help gain years of service from dental work. This allows you to avoid frequent dental glue removal procedures.
When should you contact your dentist about dental glue?
Anytime you notice possible issues with dental restorations, it’s smart to have the dentist take a look. Contact your dentist if you experience:
- A loose crown, veneer, bridge, or other restoration
- Chipping or cracking of the glue line
- Sensitivity or pain around a restored tooth
- Changes in your bite
- A restoration that feels rough or uneven
- Stains around the restoration edges
- A restoration falling out
While your natural instinct may be to use household glue or adhesive to fix a loose dental restoration, it’s important to refrain. This can end up permanently adhering the restoration when it actually needs proper removal and replacement. Let your dentist examine and re-cement or replace restorations using professional methods and dental glue materials.
Conclusion
Dental glue is very strong and long-lasting. However, it can ultimately fail over time, requiring removal and replacement of dental restorations. Only your dentist should try to remove hardened dental cement, using specialized tools and techniques. The removal process is quick and painless since the area will be numbed first. With a new restoration and cement, your smile can look beautiful again. Maintain your restorations properly and see your dentist twice a year to identify any problems early and avoid frequent glue replacements.
