Tooth cementation - what is it and when is it necessary?

Tooth cementation - what is it and when is it necessary?

On 2 January 20252 January 2025In Polish Dentist in the UK, Prosthodontics

Tooth cementation is a procedure in dentistry that involves permanently or temporarily attaching a prosthetic restoration to a natural tooth. If you want to find out more be sure to read our article.

What is tooth cementation?

Tooth cementation is the process of fixing a prosthetic restoration - the crowns, bridge or a root-canal post - with special dental cements. These cements ensure the durability and stability of the bond while protecting the tooth from further damage. 

Tooth cementation aims at restoring the its function, shape and aesthetics if this has been weakened or damaged. Hence, depending on the need, we distinguish cementation:

  • temporary - performed as an interim step, e.g. during root canal treatment or trial tooth restoration. Easy-to-remove cements are then used.
  • Fixed - made for the final setting of dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges. Permanent cements ensure maximum strength and longevity of the restoration.
The photograph shows the hand of a person wearing black gloves, holding various dental instruments with white tips. In the background, the blurred face of a person sitting in a dental chair can be seen. The image focuses on the representation of the tools used by the dentists during the procedure.

When is tooth cementation necessary?

As we have already mentioned, they are performed when fixing prosthetic restorations. However, this is not all. This procedure is also used for root canal treatmentIf a tooth requires protection and needs to be strengthened. And also if it is necessary to improve the aesthetics of the dentition. This applies especially to anterior teeth. 

Postponing tooth cementation or failure to do so can lead to serious consequences. What are they?

First and foremost, due to the lack of a tight restoration, decay can occur. This, if left untreated, has further serious consequences. You can read more about this in our article "Tooth decay - where it comes from, how to treat and prevent it".

Lack of cementation is also a weakening of the tooth, a greater risk of it breaking and fracturing. It also means pain and sensitivity. Exposed tooth structures become sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. On top of this, the bite function is impaired, which affects eating comfort and speech, and a damaged or unsupported tooth can negatively affect the appearance of the entire smile.

The photograph shows the dentist's hand holding a dental tool, probably a drill, ready to work on the patient's teeth. We can see half of the patient's face and the medical logo on the apron. The image has a shallow depth of field, focusing on the dental tool.

And what does the treatment look like?

It consists of several stages. The first is the preparation of the tooth. The doctor cleans the tooth, grinds it and prepares the surface accordingly for the application of cement.

The second stage is to check the fit of the crown, bridge or inlay in terms of shape, colour and function. A special dental cement is then applied. Finally, the restoration is fixed to the tooth and the cement is cured (e.g. with light or a chemical reaction).

The procedure is painless, performed under local anaesthesia if necessary.

IMPORTANT! In some cases, cementation of a tooth can need to be repeated. This happens if the crown or bridge becomes loose due to cement wear, damage to the restoration occurs or secondary caries under the crown occurs, requiring the tooth to be re-prepared.

The image shows a child undergoing dental treatment. A young child can be seen lying on a dentist's chair while the dentist uses a dental instrument to work in his mouth. In the background are blurred, fuzzy lights, suggesting that the scene is taking place in a dentist's office.

How much does it cost to cement a tooth in the UK?

Obviously, it all depends on the surgery. Most often, cementation is a component of the insertion of a crown, bridge or other prosthetic restoration. 

However, if for some reason they need to be repeated, especially if the previous procedure was performed elsewhere, will incur costs. What are they?

In our practice, cementing a crown, made outside our practice, is an expense of £60, a bridge £80.

If you have questions or would like to make an appointment - contact us. Finally, we would like to remind you that tooth cementation is an extremely important procedure that allows for the permanent restoration of damaged dentition. When carried out correctly, the process ensures the stability, functionality and aesthetics of the prosthetic restoration for years to come.