Knocked out tooth: anyone else try those instant repair kits?

That weird texture is exactly what bugged me too. I used one of those kits on myself after a bracket popped off and took a chunk of tooth with it - definitely not my proudest moment. It sort of worked for a day, but I kept worrying it’d come loose while I was eating or even just talking. I get what you mean about being nervous your kid might swallow it. Did you notice if it irritated his gums at all? Mine felt kind of sore around the edge after a few hours.

I wonder if the way baby teeth are shaped makes the stuff stick better? Or maybe it’s just less pressure from chewing. Either way, I agree, I wouldn’t trust it for more than a quick fix. The taste is awful, though - like chewing on chalk mixed with plastic. Did your dentist say anything about using those kits? Mine was kind of unimpressed and said to stick to wax if possible... but honestly, when you’re desperate in the middle of the night, you do what you have to.

The taste is awful, though - like chewing on chalk mixed with plastic.

I actually didn’t mind the taste as much, but the gritty feeling drove me nuts. Funny thing, my dentist was more open to those kits than yours - she said they’re not ideal, but better than leaving a sharp edge if you’re in a pinch. I do wonder if using them too often could make things worse, like trapping bacteria or something. Wax always falls off for me overnight, so sometimes I just go with whatever sticks.

That gritty texture is the worst, I totally get it. I’ve tried a couple of those kits - one was so sandy, I felt like I’d just bitten into a beach. My dentist said pretty much the same as yours: not perfect, but if you’re desperate and can’t get in right away, it’s better than slicing your tongue on a jagged edge.

About using them too often, yeah, there’s definitely a risk. If the material isn’t sealed well or gets loose, food and bacteria can sneak in underneath. I remember once thinking my temp fix was holding up fine, but when I finally got to the dentist, she found a bit of gunk trapped under there. Not a huge deal since it was only a few days, but it made me wary of stretching it out too long.

Wax never stays put for me either - by morning it’s gone and I’m back to square one. Sometimes I’ll use orthodontic wax just during meals or sleeping, then switch to the kit if things get really rough. None of it’s ideal though... just trying to make it until the actual appointment.

That gritty feeling is the worst, totally agree. I’ve had that “beach sand” sensation too - makes me wonder if any of these kits are actually comfortable for anyone. I do think the risk of bacteria getting trapped is real, but I’d rather deal with that than a sharp edge slicing my mouth up. Has anyone tried using those temporary filling kits from the pharmacy instead of the actual tooth repair ones? I’m curious if they’re any smoother or if it’s just more of the same.

makes me wonder if any of these kits are actually comfortable for anyone

Tried the pharmacy filling kit on my kid’s chipped tooth once - honestly, it was less “beach sand” and more like chewing on Play-Doh. Not sharp, but definitely not smooth either. He kept poking at it with his tongue all day.

We tried one of those kits for my partner’s crown when it popped off on a weekend. The stuff felt gritty and weird, like he had a pebble stuck in there, and it definitely didn’t blend with the tooth. He couldn’t stop messing with it either - said it was more annoying than the actual gap. I totally get wanting a quick fix, but honestly, none of them have seemed truly comfortable in our experience.

That gritty, pebble feeling is exactly what worries me about those kits.

“The stuff felt gritty and weird, like he had a pebble stuck in there...”

“The stuff felt gritty and weird, like he had a pebble stuck in there...”

That “pebble” sensation is one of the main complaints I hear about those over-the-counter kits. They’re really just meant to be a super short-term patch, but I’ve seen people try to leave them in for days, sometimes even weeks. Usually doesn’t end well. Most of the time that material doesn’t bond well enough and either falls out or starts irritating the gums, like you mentioned.

Did anyone actually manage to keep one in place comfortably? I’ve seen folks come in with swollen gums or even a piece stuck between teeth, which just made things trickier to fix later. Honestly, if it’s just to get through the night or a weekend until you can see someone, sure, maybe. But anything longer than that and you’re probably better off biting the bullet (not literally) and getting it looked at properly.

I get why people try these kits - dentist visits aren’t cheap or convenient - but sometimes it creates more hassle than help. Anyone here actually have a good experience with one of these? Just curious if I’m missing something...

That gritty feeling is super common - those kits are basically just temporary fillers, not a real fix. I’ve seen a couple people manage to keep them in for a few days, but usually they end up with sore gums or the stuff just crumbles out. Has anyone tried using dental wax instead? Sometimes it’s less irritating if you’re just waiting for an appointment.

Has anyone tried using dental wax instead? Sometimes it’s less irritating if you’re just waiting for an appointment.

Yeah, I’ve actually used dental wax a couple times when I chipped a tooth and was waiting for a dentist. It’s way less gritty than those kits, but honestly, it doesn’t last long if you eat or drink much. For me, it was more comfortable, but I had to reapply it a lot. Did anyone else notice the wax gets kind of mushy after a while? Still, at least it’s cheap and easy to find at most pharmacies.

Still, at least it’s cheap and easy to find at most pharmacies.

Totally agree there - dental wax is a lifesaver when you’re on a budget or just can’t get in to see the dentist right away. I used it when my filling cracked (classic Friday night luck...) and it kept the jagged edge from cutting my cheek. Yeah, it got mushy and I had to redo it after eating, but for a couple bucks? Worth it for the peace of mind. Those instant kits always seemed overpriced to me anyway.

I totally get what you mean about dental wax being a wallet-saver in a pinch. I used it for a broken bracket once and it definitely took the edge off - literally. But I’ve actually tried one of those instant repair kits (the ones for lost fillings or chipped teeth), and honestly, I was surprised. They’re not as cheap as wax, that’s true, but the kit lasted me through an entire weekend without getting all mushy or falling out, even after eating.

I do think they’re a bit overpriced for what you get, but if you’re dealing with something more than just sharp edges - like an exposed nerve or a bigger chunk missing - the extra protection felt worth it to me. Wax is awesome for irritation, but those kits have this putty that hardens up and can really help if you need to eat or talk without wincing.

Not saying everyone needs to run out and buy one, but in some situations, paying a little more might save you from a lot of discomfort. Just my two cents...

That’s interesting about the putty holding up even after eating - I always assumed those kits would just crumble after a meal. Did you notice any weird taste or texture while it was in? I’ve only ever used wax, and it sometimes gets a bit gross if you forget it’s there. I’m kind of curious if the repair kit stuff is harder to remove, or if it sticks to your tooth in a way that makes cleanup annoying.

I’m kind of curious if the repair kit stuff is harder to remove, or if it sticks to your tooth in a way that makes cleanup annoying.

I’ve tried both the wax and the putty-type repair kits (the cheap ones from the drugstore), and I totally get what you mean about wax getting gross. With the putty, it’s actually a bit firmer - so it doesn’t just dissolve or smush around when you eat, which surprised me. Texture-wise, I noticed it’s not as sticky as wax, but it does feel a little chalky at first. Not exactly pleasant, but honestly, less weird-tasting than I expected.

Cleanup isn’t too bad if you use a toothpick or those little dental tools. Sometimes a bit will stick in the crevice, but nothing that brushing can’t handle. I wouldn’t say it’s harder to remove than wax - just different. For me, it was worth it to avoid another emergency dentist bill... Temporary fix, but it did the job until I could get seen. If you’re on a budget or waiting for an appointment, I’d say don’t stress too much about the cleanup part.

That’s actually super helpful to know about the putty feeling chalky. I was worried it might be impossible to get off, like when gum gets stuck in braces. Did you have any issues with it falling out while eating or drinking? I tried the wax once and it basically disappeared after a hot coffee, so I’m a bit skeptical about how long these things really last. I’m just trying to avoid shelling out for an emergency visit again... Has anyone tried those kits that claim to actually “glue” a crown back on? I keep seeing them but not sure if they’re worth the risk.

We tried one of those “glue” kits last year when my kid’s crown popped off during a popcorn incident (why is it always popcorn?). Honestly, it was more like a sticky mess than actual glue. Lasted about as long as a popsicle in July - one bite and it was history. I get wanting to dodge another emergency bill, but I’d only use those kits as a super temporary fix. If you’re eating or drinking anything besides air, don’t count on it staying put.

Popcorn is honestly the nemesis of dental work - I swear! Those kits are definitely more “wishful thinking” than a real solution. I tried one when my bracket popped off during a road trip, and it barely held up through a single snack. It’s wild how sticky yet useless that stuff can be. I get the temptation to avoid another bill, but yeah, it’s just a quick patch. Eating anything more than soup? Forget about it.

Popcorn is the archvillain, no joke. One rogue kernel and suddenly you’re living that “diy dentist” life with a kit that costs more than it’s worth. I tried one of those instant repair kits when a filling fell out (of course, right before my insurance reset). The stuff tasted like putty and lasted about as long as my willpower at a dessert buffet. I get the appeal though - who wants to drop $200+ for a five minute fix?

But honestly, has anyone actually had one of these kits work for more than a day? I feel like the packaging should just say “good luck, hope you like smoothies.” Maybe it’s just me, but every time I’ve used one it’s ended up being a temporary mess that’s more stress than it’s worth. Has anyone found a brand or trick that actually holds up until you can get in to see the dentist? Or is this just wishful thinking for all of us trying to dodge another bill?

Tried one of those with my kid when his filling popped out after biting into a granola bar. It barely lasted through breakfast the next day - just crumbled apart. Honestly, we stuck to soft foods and waited for the dentist. Haven’t found a kit that holds up yet.

That’s pretty much been my experience with those kits, too - they’re just not built to last, especially for kids who are eating or talking a lot. The stuff in those temporary kits is more like a placeholder than an actual fix. I get why they’re tempting in a pinch, but the material just isn’t as tough as what dentists use.

When my daughter lost a filling at school, we tried one of those kits to get through the weekend. It sort of worked for a couple meals, but by the next morning, it was basically gone. The dentist told us later that even if it had stayed in, it wouldn’t have protected the tooth from bacteria or more damage for long.

If you ever have to use one again, the only trick I found was making sure the tooth was super dry before applying - like, really bone-dry. Even then, it’s just a short-term thing. Honestly, waiting for the dentist and sticking to soft foods is probably the safest bet. Those kits are more like a last resort than a real solution.