What Are Temporary Dental Fillings?

When it comes to dental fillings, you probably think of these as permanent. However, there are times when a dentist uses temporary fillings instead. It all comes down to the problem with the tooth. At the time of your visit, the dental professional will determine which one you need. At that time, they will explain the reasoning behind the decision.

Dental fillings for cavities

The most important thing for a person to do is schedule an appointment with a dentist at the first sign of trouble. With a cavity, most people experience pain when chewing. Sensitivity to hot and cold is another sign. Having a cavity filled quickly prevents infection from setting in. If that happens, a person would have a much bigger issue. In fact, the infection could travel through a person’s bloodstream.

What is a temporary filling?

In simple terms, dentists use temporary dental fillings until permanently sealing a tooth. This is typically done if the dental professional needs to evaluate a patient’s tooth further. For instance, if a dentist has an emergency to handle, they might use a temporary filling. The patient will then schedule a second appointment for the evaluation and permanent filling.

Temporary dental fillings are usually made from a soft material. It seals cracks, chips and decay. If the patient needs a filling as opposed to a root canal, the dentist will offer different types. Both amalgam and composite material are the most common. Amalgams consist of metals like copper, silver, tin and mercury. Composite fillings match the patient’s natural teeth, making them the preferred choice.

With temporary dental fillings, there is no risk of the patient’s teeth shifting. This also makes chewing easier than without a temporary filling. These fillings are also used in place of a temporary crown. While a dental laboratory makes the patient’s permanent cap, the filling keeps saliva out of the hole. If the patient has already developed an infection, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics.

When do dentists recommend temporary fillings?

There are several reasons beyond a time restriction that a dental professional would choose a temporary filling. This includes urgent or emergency care. It can also give a patient relief until doing a further evaluation. Dental fillings are ideal after a root canal while waiting for the permanent crown. Although temporary, this type of filling works incredibly well.

Common option

Choosing temporary dental fillings over permanent ones is a common practice. Especially for a patient with severe decay, this would likely be the decision. For this, as well as other dental treatments, the goal is to save the tooth. With a temporary solution, it has protection until the dentist takes the next action.

Seek dental help when needed

At the first sign of having a cavity, you want to schedule an appointment with a dentist. That way, you would probably end up with a permanent filling. However, if the problem progressed, the dental professional may recommend temporary dental fillings. The goal is to have the cavity filled before the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.