Cementing a crown or bridge: fitting, repairs and fees
Originally published
Dental cement is used to secure restorations such as crowns and bridges to teeth. Cementation is the fitting stage of treatment; it does not mean coating an otherwise healthy tooth with cement to strengthen it.
Why is dental cement used?
A crown covers a prepared tooth, while a bridge replaces missing teeth using supporting teeth or implants. The way a restoration is attached depends on its design. This article concerns cemented restorations, mainly those supported by natural teeth.
Temporary cement may be used when a restoration needs to be removed again during treatment. Definitive cement is intended for longer-term fitting, but the word ‘permanent’ does not mean that the restoration cannot loosen, wear or fail.
After root canal treatment, a tooth may need a crown or another restoration. In selected cases a post helps retain the reconstruction. These are decisions about the remaining tooth and its restoration, not separate reasons to cement every root-treated tooth. Read more about root canal treatment and dental bridges.
What happens at the fitting appointment?
The dentist checks the tooth and restoration, including the fit, bite and appearance. For a new crown, shaping the tooth and taking an impression or scan usually happen before this stage. Re-cementing an existing crown does not automatically require more drilling.
The surfaces are prepared for the chosen cement, the restoration is seated and excess material is removed. The dentist checks how the teeth meet. Local anaesthetic may be used if needed; tell the team if anything hurts or the bite feels uneven.
The Oral Health Foundation explains crown preparation and fitting. Follow the aftercare instructions for your restoration and continue regular cleaning and dental reviews.
If a crown or bridge comes loose
Contact a dentist for advice promptly, even if it is not painful. If it has come out, keep it safely and bring it to the appointment. Avoid chewing on the affected area and do not use household glue to fix it back.
A dentist needs to establish why it loosened. The tooth or restoration may be damaged, or decay may be present. Re-cementing can be an option when the parts are sound and still fit, but simply adding more cement will not solve every problem.
The NHS urgent dental care guide includes loose or broken crowns and bridges. Call NHS 111 if you cannot obtain dental advice. Severe swelling with difficulty breathing needs emergency help through 999 or A&E.
Re-cementing fees
For restorations made elsewhere, our listed fees are:
- Cementing a crown: £90.
- Cementing a bridge: £120.
The fee schedule lists these services without a guarantee. Suitability still needs assessment, and a replacement restoration or treatment of the tooth would be a different item. See our prosthodontic fees or contact the practice to arrange a check.