A temporary filling is a short term filling used to protect damaged teeth.
• They are made using soft fast-set materials and are placed by your dentist to protect open cavities.
• They prevent bacteria from entering the cavity and protects against sensitive hot/cold food and painful pressure.
• Temporary fillings are only worn for a short period of time, between a few days to several weeks.
This article will look at why temporary fillings are used, what they are made from and how to safely care for them.
• They are designed by dental professionals to protect the root of your tooth, prevent infection and help keep your mouth comfortable during complicated treatments.
Why Do Dentists Use Temporary Fillings?
They are used by dentists during complex treatments or emergency situations.
• Protecting during Root Canals
During a root canal treatment, your dentist will clean out the infected nerve. This is done during 1-2 appointments and the temporary filling will be placed between your appointments to prevent saliva, food and bacteria from entering the cleaned root canals.
• Soothe an inflamed nerve
Often with deep decay, the cavity will go very close to the pulp of the tooth. This causes extreme inflammation. A soothing temporary filling that contains eugenol will help calm your irritated nerve.
• During dental emergencies
If your tooth has cracked or your permanent filling has fallen out a temporary filling will provide instant relief. It will protect the sharp edges until your dentist can provide a full restoration.
• Creating a bespoke Crown
If you need a permanent crown or bridge then your crown will need to be created by lab technicians. Whilst they create your bespoke crown your dentist will place a temporary filling over the prepared natural tooth to prevent sensitivity.
What Are the Typical Types Of Temporary Fillings Used?
Within dentistry there are certain chemicals used when placing a temporary filling.
• Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cements
This is commonly used by your dentist due to the natural analgesic and antiseptic properties from oil of cloves. It is soothing on painful nerves and forms a good seal over open cavities.
• Zinc Phosphate Cements
This traditional cement is stronger, so it can withstand light chewing pressures whilst your permanent restoration is being created.
• Glass Ionomer Cements
Glass ionomers provide protection by releasing fluoride into your natural tooth enamel. This helps strengthen your weak tooth and stop any current decay caused by bacteria.
• Soft Composite Resin
Sometimes your dentist will place a soft composite resin. This is cured using light and can easily be peeled out using flexible tools during your next appointment.
What Are the Benefits Of Temporary Fillings?
Temporary fillings provide many benefits.
• Prevent Deep Infections
Prevents harmful bacteria from entering your weak inner dentine and soft pulp.
• Stop Sensitive Teeth
Provides a barrier against temperature changes to stop painful sensitivity to hot drinks and icy foods.
• Easy To Remove
They are formulated to be firm however easy to remove using simple hand tools during your next appointment.
• Hold Tooth In Place
Prevents the teeth next to your damaged tooth from moving into the gap by holding your damaged tooth in place.
How Should You Care for a Temporary Filling?
Following some simple rules will help your temporary filling last until your dentist can place your permanent filling.
• Avoid Sticky & Hard Foods
Avoid eating chewy foods such as chewing gum, caramel, hard sweets, nuts and ice cubes. These sticky foods will cause your temporary filling to come out of your tooth. Hard foods will cause the soft temporary filling to crack.
• Chew On The Opposite Side
For the first few days try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Change Flossing Technique
Gently thread your floss between your teeth. However, do not pull upwards from your gums as this will easily cause the soft temporary filling to come out. Instead gently pull sideways.
• Brush Gently
Brush gently around your temporary filling using a soft bristled manual toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
What Should You Do If Your Temporary Filling Comes Out?
As temporary fillings are softer than permanent fillings they can sometimes become loose or worn. This can cause them to come out.
• Call Your Dentist
Contact your dentist to book a quick appointment. Leaving your tooth open will cause your delicate inner tissues to be exposed to bacteria and cause severe damage.
• Temporary Cement From Pharmacy
If you cannot contact your dentist straight away then visit your local pharmacy to buy temporary dental cement. Gently clean your open cavity. Apply a small amount of cement from the pharmacy and gently bite down.
• Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water 3 times a day to kill harmful bacteria and help reduce inflamed gums.
What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Fillings?
How Long Can I Have a Temporary Filling For?
• Temporary fillings are designed to be worn for a short amount of time.
• They can last between a few days to a few weeks.
• Leaving them in for longer will cause the material to degrade and bacteria to get through.
• Always attend your appointment for your permanent filling.
Does It Hurt to Have a Temporary Filling?
• Having a temporary filling is completely pain free.
• Your dentist will numb the correct tooth and surrounding gum with a local anesthetic.
• You may feel a slight pressure when the filling is applied, however there will be no sharp pain.
Why Does My Temporary Filling Feel a Bit Gritty?
• Temporary fillings are not polished like permanent composite or porcelain fillings.
• They will feel slightly chalky and gritty against your tongue.
• However, this is completely normal.
Can I Eat After Having a Temporary Filling?
• Wait 1-2 hours until the local anesthetic wears off so you do not bite into your cheek or tongue.
• Temporary dentals take several hours to set so on the first day eat soft warm foods.