Can I use DERMabond (cyanoacrylate) to fix a broken tooth?

DERMabond Should Not Be Used to Fix a Broken Tooth

DERMabond (cyanoacrylate) should not be used to fix a broken tooth. Proper dental care from a dentist is required for tooth fractures, with treatment varying based on the type and severity of the fracture. 1

Types of Tooth Fractures and Proper Management

Enamel-Only Fractures (Uncomplicated)

• Fractures limited to the enamel layer typically cause minimal sensitivity and don't require immediate dental attention 1
• Treatment involves smoothing the fractured area with a dental handpiece or leaving it untreated if the fracture site is smooth 1
• The tooth should be monitored for signs of pulpal necrosis over time 1

Enamel and Dentin Fractures (Uncomplicated)

• When fractures involve both enamel and dentin without pulp exposure, dental referral is needed within a few days 1, 2
• The tooth should be restored with tooth-colored dental material, or if available, the original tooth fragment can be rebonded 1
• Covering exposed dentin is important to reduce discomfort and prevent bacterial contamination of the pulp 1
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen are recommended as first-line treatment for pain management before definitive dental care 2

Crown Fractures with Exposed Pulp (Complicated)

• Immediate dental referral is required to preserve pulp vitality 1
• Appropriate pulp therapy must be performed by a dentist, with timing being crucial especially for young permanent teeth 1
• For mature teeth, root canal therapy is usually the treatment of choice 1

Why DERMabond Is Not Appropriate

• While one case report mentions using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (a component in DERMabond) for temporary relief of a fractured molar 3, this is not recommended standard practice
• DERMabond is designed for skin closure, not dental repair 4
• Dental materials specifically designed for tooth restoration are required to:
  • Withstand the forces of mastication 1
  • Be biocompatible with dental tissues 1
  • Provide proper sealing against bacterial contamination 1, 2

Proper Interim Management Until Dental Care

• For pain management, use NSAIDs like ibuprofen as first-line treatment 2
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort 2
• Maintain a soft diet for the first 10 days after injury 2
• Avoid extremes of temperature with food and drink to prevent sensitivity 2, 5
• If the tooth fragment is available, store it properly in milk or saline for possible reattachment by the dentist 2

Timing of Dental Referral

• Immediate referral (same day) for crown fractures with pulp exposure, severe mobility, or significant pain 1, 2
• Referral within a few days for enamel and dentin fractures with sensitivity 1, 2
• Less urgent referral (within a week) for enamel-only fractures with minimal symptoms 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Delaying referral for crown fractures with pulp exposure can lead to pulpal necrosis 1, 2
• Using inappropriate materials like DERMabond can interfere with proper dental treatment and potentially cause harm 1
• Underestimating the importance of covering exposed dentin to prevent bacterial contamination 1
• Using water to store avulsed teeth or tooth fragments (milk or saline is preferred) 1, 2

While DERMabond has demonstrated antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria 6 and has been successfully used in various medical procedures 7, 8, it is not designed or approved for dental applications and could potentially interfere with proper dental treatment.