How long does a temporary tooth filling last

How long does a temporary tooth filling last

How long does a temporary tooth filling last? Do they wear away? Read this to learn everything you need to know about these tooth fillings.

How long does a temporary tooth filling last, and is there anything you shouldn’t do when you have one? There are a lot of questions that people might have when it comes to fillings, and we get it. If you have never had to get one before, the whole process can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

A tooth filling can make all the difference when you are suffering from a toothache. Temporary fillings can offer relief when you need it, but they don’t last forever.

Here, we will go through what you need to be aware of when it comes to temporary tooth fillings, and even what you should avoid when you have one.

Why get a temporary tooth filling?

A temporary tooth filling is exactly what it sounds like – a tooth filling that is not made to last. Many dentists will suggest that you get a temporary filling as part of a treatment for a larger problem. For example, if you need to have a dental crown made, a temporary filling will help to alleviate the pain you are experiencing until it is ready.

Without temporary fillings, the pain you experience would only grow. Since there can be weeks between appointments and procedures, these quick and easy fillings make it bearable.

Your dentist might also give you a temporary filling if you require emergency treatment for cavities that are very painful, or if there simply isn’t enough time to get a permanent one.

Are there any side effects to be aware of?

A temporary tooth filling may require your tooth to be numbed for the procedure, both when placing the filling and removing it. While there shouldn’t be any pain when getting a filling, it’s always best to take precautions.

After getting a filling, you are likely to experience some discomfort and sensitivity, but this should not last long after the procedure. If the pain and sensitivity persist, and you notice additional symptoms such as a burning sensation or a rash, get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible. When this happens, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the material used for the filling.

Allergic reactions are rare, but it’s always something to look out for. Itching, swelling, and rashes in the surrounding area are all signs of an allergic reaction. If you experience this, you will need to get your temporary filling removed and replaced.

How long do temporary tooth fillings last?

Lasting times can vary greatly when it comes to temporary tooth fillings. The average time is anywhere between six and eight weeks, but it all comes down to how well you care for the filling.

When a filling has been in someone’s mouth for too long, it will either fall out or break. Because of this, they should never be treated as ‘permanent’ fillings. If you get a temporary filling, you need to know that it will not be staying there for a long time, simply because it was not designed to.

Do temporary tooth fillings wear away?

While it is possible for a temporary tooth filling to wear away if it manages to stay in the mouth long enough, it is unlikely. Because these fillings are generally there for less than two months, there isn’t typically enough time for wearing to occur.

However, you can still damage the filling and make it fall out prematurely. As such, there are steps that you should take to make sure that your filling lasts as long as it needs to.

On rare occasions, a temporary filling can protect your tooth for several months, but this depends on what material is used.

Popular temporary filling materials include:

• Glass ionomers.
• Cavit.
• Intermediate restorative materials.
• Zinc phosphate cement.
• Zinc oxide eugenol.

Some will last longer than others, so be sure to talk to your dentist. You may want to discuss the expected time it will last, and when you should return for a permanent filling.

Is there anything you shouldn’t do when you have a temporary tooth filling?

You can preserve your temporary tooth filling by making sure that you are gentle with your mouth and avoid particular foods. Depending on what you like, this can be very difficult. For the sake of your mouth and to avoid pain, though, it’s best to do everything you can.

When you have a temporary tooth filling, you should:

• Avoid very chewy foods, like toffee and gum.
• Avoid very hard foods, like nuts, ice, and hard candy.
• Brush your teeth very gently.
• Eat slowly so that you primarily use the side without the filling.
• Keep your tongue away from the filling.

Failing to do all of the above can easily cause the filling to loosen and fall out, or even break in your mouth. This is something you should avoid if you can – but it’s not the end of the world if it happens.

What to do if your temporary tooth filling falls out before your appointment

If your tooth filling breaks or falls out before the appointment to get a permanent fix, try not to worry too much. All you need to do is get in touch with your clinic and make another appointment to get another temporary filling.

It’s important that you don’t try to ‘do without’ your temporary filling. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort, as well as complicate the whole process. It’s better to communicate as soon as possible and get the issue resolved.

Temporary fillings fall out all the time, so your dentist won’t judge you – trust us.

If you were thinking about using an at-home temporary filling kit, don’t. These kits are not safe and should be avoided, no matter how appealing they might look.

Will a temporary tooth filling stop toothaches?

A temporary filling is designed to alleviate toothaches for a set period of time before a permanent fix is done. You might get a temporary filling before you get a permanent one, or another procedure to sort out your particular issue.

Because of how quickly temporary fillings are, they are easily accessible and can usually be done at the drop of a penny at your appointment. Just remember to follow the instructions given by your dentist afterwards.

Other dental procedures

There are a lot of popular dental procedures that you can get done at clinics around the world. At Eye & Dental Clinic, we offer general dentistry and checkups for your everyday needs, as well as teeth straightening, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and crowns and bridges procedures. The cost of these procedures varies, with dental plans helping you save money over longer periods of time.

Additional services we offer include:

• Fillings.
• X-rays.
• Dental implants.
• Repairs.
• Veneers.
• Composite bonding.
• Dentures.

When to go see a professional

It’s important to remember that not everything has to wait for the proper appointment. If you are experiencing severe bleeding or pain, you should call 111 to get advice. Accidents can happen at any time, and emergency and non-emergency services are always there to help you.

You should be going to dental appointments regularly for checkups. Prevention is better than cure, as they say, and this is more true than ever in the world of teeth. Procedures can be expensive and daunting, so it’s always better to notice a problem early on in order to minimise pain and cost to yourself.

However, whether you visit the clinic frequently or not, we give you the option to book an emergency treatment appointment if you are experiencing an issue that you need help with.

So, how long does a temporary tooth filling last? Only a few weeks, in most cases. They are designed to shield your tooth for a short period of time before you can get a permanent fix to your issue. Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for these fillings to fall out or break when not properly cared for, so be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions.

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