Temporary Fillings

Temporary fillings are a non-permanent solution to maintain your oral health when you’re short on time. However, they don’t provide the same benefits as permanent fillings in the long run. 

Many factors can lead to the need for a temporary filling. You might have lost a filling or broken it, or perhaps the natural tooth has been damaged and needs to be repaired, but you’re short on time for a permanent solution. Or your dentist might want to observe the tooth before putting a permanent filling to the cacity. Whatever your reason is for needing a temporary filling, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to get the best results possible from this dental procedure.

Read on if you want an overview of what temporary fillings are and how they work.

What are Temporary Fillings?

A filling is simply a short-term repair for a damaged tooth. Since the temporary tooth filling is only designed to last for a short time, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to change it to a permanent one.

Temporary dental fillings are typically made from softer materials that can easily be removed. Some dental filling materials harden when mixed with saliva. The following are the materials used for temporary fillings:

• Zinc oxide eugenol
• Zinc phosphate cement
• Glass ionomer cement
• Cavit
• Intermediate restorative materials

When Do You Need Temporary Fillings?

Dentists often use temporary fillings for specific time-constrained situations. It may take less time to place a temporary filling than a permanent filling. If your dentist cannot place a permanent filling during your visit, you can receive a temporary filling as an emergency treatment and come back for the final permanent filling.

A dentist may use a temporary filling for several reasons:

Temporary caps for dental crowns

If a deep cavity necessitates the installation of a dental crown, your dentist may put in a temporary cap. It protects the affected teeth from penetration by bacteria until the permanent crown is ready to be fitted.

Temporary seal after a root canal

A severely decayed tooth might need a root canal to eliminate the infection from the tooth’s pulp and hopefully preserve it. A temporary filling after a root can seal off food particles and bacteria that would otherwise get stuck in its hole, thus preventing further problems with your adult teeth.

The dentist replaces the temporary filling with a permanent one, such as a ceramic filling or gold filling, after the root canal has healed.

Temporary medicated filling to settle sensitive nerves.

Temporary medicated fillings are often used in cases where a patient’s tooth is extremely sensitive. It will calm the nerves and heal the tooth before installing something permanent, like porcelain or metal fillings.

When you return to your dentist, they will examine the tooth again to make sure that any discomfort has receded and that you do not need any further dental treatment, such as a root canal treatment.

How Long Do Temporary Fillings Last?

 Over time, temporary and semi-permanent fillings can crack and wear out. Since the temporary filling material is softer and pliable, it is more prone to cracking and falling out if not replaced in time.

On average, temporary fillings last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient and the material used. Consult your dentist about the duration of your temporary filling and when to come back to get the permanent filling.

How To Care For Temporary Fillings

Temporary fillings aren’t as long-lasting as permanent treatment, so you’ll need to be mindful of the filling and take proper care of it until you see your dentist.

Chewing: It’s essential to protect your filling after a dental appointment. Your dentist may advise you not to eat anything on that side of your mouth for a couple of hours, as it takes time for temporary fillings to dry and set in properly.

Since it doesn’t have adequate strength, avoid eating on that side, if possible, until you get a permanent filling. Chewing with a temporary filling, especially hard foods like candy, nuts, and ice, can cause it to break or fall out.

Oral Care: Temporary treatments need special care when it comes to dental hygiene. Floss and brush carefully to prevent damaging the filling. The floss should be pulled gently on the side of your affected teeth instead of yanking on it so it won’t pull out the temporary filling.

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, making sure to clean out all dental germs, plaque, and debris from your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gradually and gently, since brushing too hard may harm or weaken your filling, and it might come off sooner than expected.

Tongue movements: It’s essential to avoid placing your tongue in the filling as much as possible. It’s easy for the filling to loosen if you continually touch it with your tongue.

Eating With Temporary Fillings

In general, avoid eating crunchy and hard foods on that side of your mouth. It’s also a good idea to follow a soft diet to protect the temporary filling.

Biting down firmly on hard and chewy foods may cause the temporary filling to break or even come off. When the filling falls out and is not treated immediately, issues will eventually arise, and eating and drinking will become difficult on that side.

Final Thoughts

People who are hesitant about getting permanent fillings may want to consider temporary fillings. Getting a temporary filling while you choose which type of permanent treatment is right for you is an affordable, reasonable and effective way to protect the teeth against further damage.

If you are looking for a dental professional with experience in all areas of general dentistry, including advanced cosmetic treatments, restorative services, and more, contact Peel Dental Studio. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care while making your time at our office as comfortable as possible. Contact us today by calling 08 9535 4900 or book a dental visit online through our website.

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