Temporary Tooth Filling
Dentists use temporary tooth fillings for a few different reasons. Your dentist might place a temporary tooth filling if a dental cavity is causing you pain and there isn’t sufficient time to place a permanent filling in one office visit. They might also use a temporary filling to seal a tooth following a root canal, protecting the root canal site from bacteria as it heals and before a permanent filling can be placed. Temporary fillings can also be used to infuse medication into the nerves of a sensitive tooth, helping the inflamed nerve to heal before placing a permanent filling, or they could be used during dental procedures that require multiple visits, to protect damaged area while you wait a few weeks for your custom onlay or crown to be completed in a lab. While some temporary fillings, like those that are medicated, serve additional purposes, in all cases, the temporary filling is designed to protect sensitive areas of a decayed or damaged tooth while you wait for your permanent restoration.
Because temporary fillings aren’t designed to remain in place for the long term, they require special care to keep them from dislodging. In many cases, a temporary filling could remain in place for several weeks; if your temporary filling falls out or becomes damaged, contact your dentist and address the issue to avoid any complications. While permanent fillings are often made of composite resin or silver dental amalgam, temporary fillings are made of softer materials like zinc phosphate or glass ionomers, which means they’re easier to damage or dislodge. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions for aftercare, including dietary recommendations that are meant to keep the temporary filling safely in place. For any dental procedure that requires anesthesia, dentists recommend waiting until anesthesia has worn off before eating, to avoid biting your tongue or other still-numb oral soft tissues. Once the numbness has subsided and you can safely eat, you should conscientiously avoid chewing with the side of the mouth that holds the temporary filling for about 24 hours so the newly placed temporary filling isn’t dislodged.
Until your temporary tooth filling is removed and replaced with a permanent one, it’s a good idea to avoid chewing with that side of the mouth as much as possible. Avoid eating very hard foods like candy or nuts or very sticky foods like gum or caramel. Eating slowly can help patients remain mindful of their temporary filling and limit chewing on that side of the mouth. It’s also important to keep the oral cavity clean when a temporary filling is in place, brushing gently yet thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush and flossing carefully. Flossing correctly may pose some challenges, but your dentist or dental hygienist can provide guidance on ways to effectively floss without inadvertently dislodging the temporary filling.
With the proper care and some minor behavioral adjustments, a temporary filling should last until your dentist is prepared to remove it and replace it with your permanent restoration. Your dentist will also give you instructions for caring for your new, permanent filling. If you encounter any issues with either your temporary filling or your permanent one, contact your dentist as soon as you can; most of the time, the solution is pretty straightforward, and addressing issues promptly can help you keep your temporary filling, and your permanent restorations, comfortably and safely where they belong.