What Is a Temporary Tooth Filling?
Whether it be due to tooth decay or chewing on something hard, if you’ve compromised the integrity of your tooth, you’ll want to make sure to have a damaged tooth repaired. One option for repair that your dentist may suggest is a tooth filling.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is a dental material that is placed inside of a damaged tooth to restore the integrity of the tooth. Different materials can be used for the filling, and these materials have different costs, advantages, and disadvantages.
Why Fillings?
It’s important to have a damaged or decayed tooth repaired in order to ensure the integrity of the tooth, and to avoid further pain and decay. Having a missing portion of a tooth increases the chance of decay, or further decay if decay has already occurred. It is often more difficult to chew with a portion of a tooth missing. Without a filling, the tooth can also continue to sustain more damage—leading to more advanced and often expensive treatment options and even extraction.
Fillings can give a damaged tooth the support it needs, while also helping the patient to avoid further decay.
What Are Temporary Fillings?
While some fillings can be placed immediately, others take time to manufacture. Your dentist may also decide to fabricate a dental crown—which means your tooth will be left unprotected without a temporary solution. Temporary tooth fillings are an excellent choice for patients that are waiting to have their permanent filling manufactured, or are waiting for another form of dental appliance to be created for the repair of the damaged tooth.
Taking Care of Your Temporary Tooth Filling
While a permanent filling is relatively easy to care for, temporary tooth fillings can be a bit more of a challenge. With a temporary tooth filling, you’ll want to make sure to avoid chewing any foods that could damage the softer filling material. In order to ensure the safety of the filling, it’s best to avoid chewing with the side of the mouth where the temporary filling is placed. It’s also important to be extra careful when brushing the tooth where the temporary filling is placed. Use a soft bristled toothbrush, and brush very gently.
Once the permanent filling is placed, you can continue to bite, chew and brush like you did before. Until then, though, it’s important to be extra cautious.
Speak with Your Dentist
If your tooth has suffered decay or has been damaged, it’s important to set an appointment with your dentist for as soon as possible. While your dentist may notice the decay during a routine checkup, if you notice the damage before then, be proactive. The sooner your dentist can handle any damage or decay, the more likely you are to avoid more invasive and advanced treatment.
Also, make sure to have your regular dental exams and cleanings, which should be every three to six months. During these checkups, your dentist will look for signs of decay and recommend treatment for the decay to avoid larger problems and prevent tooth pain
Contact Baer Dental Designs in Lone Tree, CO to schedule a checkup and/or to assess your tooth/dental filling needs.
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