Permanent dental cement has a wide range of uses in the dental office. From mounting crowns to helping with cavities, this versatile compound is often underrated by customers. Our article is going to help rectify this by explaining what dental cement is. We’re also going to tell you about some types of dental cement you can find on the market, and offer some basic cement application tips for temporary cement.
Understanding the Basics of Permanent Dental Cement
One of the most important things to understand is that there is a wide range of dental epoxy products on the market currently. To simplify things, they are generally classified as either temporary or permanent in nature. For both cement types, they are routinely used to mount caps for dental patients.
To start with, we’re going to focus on permanent cement and epoxy types. As the name implies, permanent cement is designed to last for a longer period of time than temporary products. The average tends to last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.
It’s important to note that there are multiple factors that can alter this estimate. For example, the location of the crown can sometimes mean that it is harder to clean and maintain. Over time, the dental cement begins to erode due to poor dental health in the area.
Fortunately, you can offset this by ensuring that you always adhere to a sound oral care routine. With proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, you can help extend the life of your crown and the permanent cement that is used to bind it. One other point to keep in mind about permanent cement is that it’s only available to professional dentists for purchase.
The other type of dental cement is temporary. These products are designed to last a few days at a time. They are safe for short-term use and can typically be purchased over the counter without the need for a prescription.
Where to Buy Dental Cement
As mentioned briefly in the previous section, permanent dental cement is not generally readily available for consumers to purchase. The reason for this is that a special license and training is required to apply permanent cement safely and effectively.
However, you can easily purchase temporary dental cement from a wide range of different sources. One of the most common is big box retailers like Walmart and Target. Both of these chains will likely carry products in either their pharmacy or oral hygiene sections.
In some cases, large grocery chains may also carry a limited selection. This will likely vary based on your geographic area and the size of the store you are visiting. For those of you who prefer to shop in privacy, you can also purchase dental cement online via retailers like Amazon.
When searching for temporary dental cement, there are a few big brands to be on the lookout for. Dentemp is one of the most popular brands that are readily available. Their products tend to contain lidocaine to help reduce pain in the treated area. They’re also designed to be safe for temporarily covering loose fillings too.
DenTek is another popular brand to consider. Their product is very similar to Dentemp because it is generally applied in much the same way and it is also safe for loose fillings as well. In some cases, there will also be generic versions available that are manufactured by the company that you are shopping at. This is particularly common when shopping in drugstores like CVS and Walgreens.
How to Apply Dental Cement in 5 Steps
1. Consult Your Dentist First
Before you try applying temporary dental cement, it’s extremely important that you consult with your dentist. They will likely ask about your circumstances to determine what the best course of treatment is.
In many cases, they will ask about your crown to determine what state it is in and to gauge if a replacement will need to be ordered. In addition, they will want to try to figure out what caused your crown to come loose in the first place.
For loose fillings, it’s generally not quite as serious. They may ask a bit about what happened to try to gauge if there was any damage to the tooth’s surface. For both loose crowns and fillings, an appointment will be necessary to provide a lasting solution. However, the use of a temporary dental cement will often be supported by your dentist to provide temporary relief.
2. Select an Appropriate Product
As long as your dentist has given you the okay, you’re ready to select a temporary dental cement. Always make sure that you are purchasing a product that is designed for oral use. In addition, you should always opt for a product that is fully sealed and ensure that the directions are clearly printed on the product’s labeling.
3. Start With a Clean Mouth
Putting temporary dental cement over lodged food debris will not help your situation. Always make sure to thoroughly brush and floss before attempting to use temporary dental cement. In addition, consider using an antiseptic mouthwash. Just remember to allow some time to pass between your oral care session and the next step for best results. In most cases, 15 minutes should be enough time.
4. For Loose Crowns
- Take the crown and rinse it out under clean running water.
- If there is any previous cement left inside it, try to gently remove it.
- Once this is done, make sure that the crown still fits correctly in the appropriate area.
- If it does, apply a small amount of the product to the base of the crown and attempt to secure it in place.
- If it holds, allow at least one hour before eating or drinking anything. This will allow time for the cement to harden.
5. For Loose Fillings
- Start by rinsing the area with warm water.
- Once this is done, use the included application to scoop out a small amount of the cement.
- Gently rub it between your fingers until it takes on the shape of a small ball.
- Once it’s ready, lightly press it into the cavity of your tooth.
- Wipe off any excess left.
- You then have to refrain from eating or drinking for the next hour to allow time for the cement to harden.
Conclusion
Permanent dental cement is a powerful product that is designed strictly for professionals. Fortunately, you can still purchase temporary dental cement as a short-term solution until your scheduled appointment time. Just remember to always follow your dentist’s recommendations. If you have any permanent dental cement experiences you would like to share, feel free to post them below.
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