Can you fix a tooth with sugru?

Answer 1

This is a tough question, as it implies you're trying to fill a cavity with Sugru. While the idea is novel (and to be honest, fairly plausible), there are a few things that need to be accounted for.

Tooth enamel is made of hydroxyapatite, which is nearly impervious to anything but acid. The gums will naturally adhere to clean tooth enamel, making a smooth seal.

Here's where it gets tricky: the proteins that bind gums to teeth won't adhere to Sugru. This means, if you attempt to Sugru a cavity, the gums will not grow back over the sealed area.

You essentially end up with a case of receeding gumline in that spot, since the gums never seal to it.

While you won't need to worry too much about the area being clean beforehand (sealing up the cavity will cut off bacteria from their food source, killing them off eventually), it'd be best to make sure you've scoured out any tartar buildup or food particles.

If the area is not clean beforehand, the sugru may not properly adhere in some places, allowing pockets in between it and the tooth surface.

Another problem with this is the erosion of Sugru over time. Tooth enamel, again, will never wear down (naturally). The only thing that erodes it is acid.

Sugru, on the other hand, is easily worn down by abrasion, and is even more supceptible to chemical deterioration. (Keep in mind the practice of sanding down sugru sculptures.)

All in all, the price of a simple resin filling at a dentist is reasonable, not to mention affordable out-of-pocket (cash).

TL;DR: Sugru will quickly wear down over time, and the gums will not heal back over it. While Sugru would functionally work in a pinch, it is no replacement for a real sealant.