Temporary tooth filling

Sometimes you will need more than one dental visit to receive a dental filling maple grove mn. In these cases, your dentist needs to ensure that your teeth and bite maintain their integrity and function in between visits and may place a temporary filling in your tooth. This temporary filling helps keep your teeth in place and supports your ability to bite properly, while also keeping saliva and bacteria out of the site where the temporary filling is placed. Sometimes, if the site is larger or particularly vulnerable, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, to further protect against infection while the temporary filling is in place. Temporary fillings are used by all dentists for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, a metal filling or a crown needs to be manufactured in a lab, which takes time. Your dentist may use a temporary dental filling to protect the problem tooth while the permanent crown or filling is prepared. If you’ve had a root canal, your dentist may also use a temporary filling to protect the surgical site. In some cases, dentists prefer to clean away tooth decay over the course of two or more visits, depending on the severity of the decay, to allow the tooth to recover in between invasive procedures. Sometimes, dentists need to observe the damaged tooth over a period of time, but that damaged tooth may be sensitive or even painful. With these cases, dentists prefer to place a temporary filling, which can be easily removed to allow for future evaluation in the treatment of the damaged tooth. Whatever the cause, a temporary tooth filling serves a very specific clinical purpose.

Because the filling is designed to be temporary, it isn’t affixed securely in the mouth, making it relatively easy to remove when the time comes to either further evaluate the tooth, or to place the permanent filling. For this reason, your dentist may advise you to avoid chewing with the side of your mouth where the filling is. Generally, some chewing slip-ups may be okay, as long as you chew gently and avoid hard, crunchy foods, or foods that may stick to the filling, like caramel or chewing gum. Immediately following the placement of a temporary filling, the area may be more sensitive than usual, once the local anesthesia wears off, so pay attention to any areas that feel sensitive and talk to your dentist if this persists. Depending on the type of filling, you will receive specific instructions from the dentist on how to care for your filling site and how to maintain your oral health. You may also be concerned with brushing and flossing while a temporary filling is in place, though your dentist will explain that regular oral hygiene is important. Be sure to use a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush and brush gently, especially in the area around the temporary filling. Flossing may be a bit more challenging, as the temporary filling may snag on floss. Be careful to pull the floss straight out from between the teeth without pulling up, to prevent the floss from catching on the filling and possibly dislodging it. Your temporary dental filling is designed to be durable enough to last until your follow-up dental visit, but be sure to treat your mouth gently and carefully to ensure that the filling lasts.

More information on Dental Fillings : Pain after Tooth Fillings