How to Use a Temporary Filling Kit for Emergency Dental Repair

Updated: November 15, 2022

Visiting the dentist may not be one of the activities you look forward to. It can be extremely unpleasant to get your teeth checked out and treated, which explains why many people avoid dental visits.

tooth pain
Tooth repair might help relieve pain

Sometimes you may be suffering from tooth decay, but will simply not be able to get to the dentist on time. In these cases, you can use a temporary filling kit instead.

So, what exactly are temporary filling kits and how can they be used for emergency dental repair? Let’s find out in this comprehensive guide.

When should I opt for temporary filling kits?

Temporary filling kits can be quite useful, but they should not be your first option whenever you suffer from tooth pain. Some emergencies are best handled by dentists, and even those that can be treated with temporary filling kits will need to be checked out by dentists later.

In order to decide whether you need urgent dental care, you will have to consult a qualified doctor, but you can also check for certain symptoms.

dentist visit
Visit your dentist as soon as you can

One sign that you need to see a dentist immediately is if you are suffering from chronic and disabling pain. You should also see a dentist if you are bleeding or swelling in the mouth.

Dental issues can sometimes affect your breathing, and this should be considered an emergency. If your tooth pains are not relieved by painkillers, you should consider visiting the dentist.

Temporary filling kits are ideal for situations that are less urgent, and they can get you through to the next dental appointment. It is also possible for your dentist to use a temporary filling if you have severe pain, especially if they are not able to use permanent fillings immediately.

Aside from this solution, you can consider using painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and codeine. Other natural remedies you can try out include clove oil, salt water rinses, and garlic.

What are temporary tooth fillings made of?

Temporary tooth fillings are meant to last for short periods, so they will usually be made of soft materials that can be removed easily. Also, the materials should not harden when exposed to saliva. Temporary filling kits are commonly made using these materials:

  • Zinc phosphate cement
  • Cavit
  • Zinc oxide eugenol
  • Glass ionomer

Unlike permanent fillings, these ones are not made to match the colour of the teeth. On the contrary, they are intended to stand out so that the dentist can easily spot them and remove them. Also, most temporary fillings are designed to calm the nerves in the teeth.

Can I use a temporary filling kit at home?

Temporary filling kits are usually installed by professional dentists, and this is the ideal situation. This is because dentistry is a complicated process, so inexperienced individuals are highly likely to make several mistakes in the process.

If you carry out the procedure at home, you may trap lots tens of thousands of bacteria under the temporary fillings.

This might end up causing infections, which will eventually damage your teeth and cause pain. It may be necessary to treat the tooth using the temporary filling kit in emergency cases, but make sure you visit the dentist as soon as possible.

What are the disadvantages of using temporary filling kits?

Temporary filling kits come with many advantages, but you should also be aware of their cons. One of the disadvantages of the kits has been covered above, and it involves the discolouration of the teeth.

Since the fillings are supposed to be removed in a short period, they are usually not designed to match the colour of the teeth as that would make it hard for them to notice the temporary fillings.

Also, you will note that temporary fillings are not bonded to your teeth and are simply pressed onto the teeth. For this reason, they can easily fall out at any time. The stability of the filling will significantly be determined by the size of the undercut.

Another disadvantage of temporary tooth fillings is that they are designed with soft materials, and this can make them susceptible to breakage. When used on the molars, they will be highly likely to break since the fillings will be used to chew harder foods.

You should be very careful when chewing with these fillings since breakages can lead to leakages, which will eventually let bacteria into your teeth. If you don’t visit the dentist on time, you will eventually suffer from decay and high levels of sensitivity.

Most people also attempt to treat toot

h decay with temporary tooth fillings at home, and this may not be a solution to the problem. If you have a decaying tooth, you should go to the dentist, where the decaying part will be removed, and the tooth surface will be cleaned thoroughly. After that, the dentist may fit the temporary filling or permanent fillings.

What are emergency dental kits?

Emergency dental kits are quite important and serve the same role as first aid kits. They are intended to reduce pain and improve your aesthetics. The kit may include the following items:

  • Temporary tooth replacements
  • Crown cement
  • Antiseptic mouthwash
  • Latex gloves
  • Cotton buds

You can use emergency dental kits in different scenarios, including filling cavities temporarily, cementing dislodged crowns, and cleaning the mouth. You should make sure you use the kit for emergencies, and once that is done, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.

What teeth repairs can be done at home?

filling kits from home

While a broken tooth is a dental emergency, there are various temporary methods you can use to fix your tooth at home. These methods will help manage pain and protect from further injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to cleanse your mouth. You can also use a cold compress to control bleeding and swelling.

The broken tooth can be kept in a milk jar to prevent it from rotting. You can also take NSAIDs and other over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain.

You can apply wax on the chipped tooth to prevent the tooth edges from damaging your tongue and cheeks. Avoid chewing from the affected side to prevent further damage.

Emergency dental kits are also widely available in drug stores and can be used to treat your broken tooth temporarily.

Tooth fillings at home

Sharp edges of a broken tooth can not only cause damage to other structures but a broken tooth with hollow space can also trap food particles.

Temporary filling materials can provide short-term protection until you see your dentist for proper medical treatment. In order to place a temporary filling, follow the steps below:

  • Clean your mouth with warm salt water rinse
  • Roll out the right amount of filling material in the dental emergency kit, into a ball.
  • Cover the cavity in the tooth will this ball of filling material.
  • Push down and use a cotton bud to remove any excess
  • Keep this area clean and avoid chewing from this side.

Buying a filling repair kit

The top-selling and top-rated dental repair kits on Amazon and eBay include those of DenTek and Dentemp. Both of these kits contain the following contents:

  1. Eugenol for cleaning and providing pain relief. The same compound is present in clove oil too.
  2. Temparin Max, a temporary filling material that provides protection for up to 48 hours.
  3. Applicator tool to place the filling material correctly.
  4. A container, or tooth saver, to store the broken tooth.

These dental repair kits also come in handy when you have lost pre-existing tooth filling, crowns, and caps, apart from repairing the broken tooth.

Repairing a damaged tooth at home

Follow the steps below to correctly use the dental repair kit and to prevent further damage to your mouth:

  1. Save the dislodged tooth in the tooth saver immersed in milk or your saliva.
  2. Clean your mouth with a warm saltwater solution.
  3. Apply eugenol on the tooth with a cotton bud.
  4. Take some Temparin Max filling material and roll it into a small ball between your fingers.
  5. Apply this filling material on your tooth such that it fills the hollow space and covers the edges. Remove the excess with the help of a cotton bud.
  6. If you have a cap or crown that has loosened, place the filling inside the crown.
  7. Gently chew on the tooth to level the filling.
  8. Temporary filling at home can be protective, however, you should see a dentist as soon as you can.

Buying over-the-counter crown cement

Displacement of the crown is a common event after procedures like a root canal. Over-the-counter dental cement formulas can help you fix your tooth crown at home. Some of the ingredients used in dental cement include zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, eugenol, and polycarboxylate.

Brands that manufacture dental repair kits, such as Dentemp, also sell easy-to-apply dental cement to fix your dislodged crown or cap. Loose Cap and Lost Filling Repair is one such product by Dentemp.

Apply this liquid to the inner edges of the crown and press firmly on your tooth to ensure that the crown fits well. Don’t chew from this side of your mouth and ensure that the area remains clean.

How can I care for my temporary tooth filling?

Temporary tooth fillings are not developed to be strong, so you will have to take care of them keenly. A good piece of advice is to avoid chewing with the side of your mouth that has the temporary filling, and whenever you chew on this side, make sure you eat soft foods.

Also, you have to be extremely gentle when you brush or floss your teeth. If possible, you can buy a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Conclusion

Temporary filling kits are popularly used to fill cavities, and they can be installed at home or at the dentist’s office. These treatments are meant to be temporary solutions, so you must make a dentist appointment as soon as possible.

You should note that the fillings are easy to use, even at home. However, home treatments may not be the safest since non-professionals may not be able to clean the teeth sufficiently. As such, bacteria may still be trapped under the fillings.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a temporary tooth filling kit?

A temporary tooth filling kit can help to relieve your pain and is relatively simple to use. Also, this solution will restore your appearance.

How long does a temporary tooth filling last?

A temporary tooth filling is not meant to last for long, and you should schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible. Failing to visit the dentist can lead to infections. Depending on the material used and the individual, the filling may last for a week to a few months.

Can I brush temporary tooth fillings?

Yes, you can brush your temporary filling, but you must ensure that you brush gently. Dentists recommend that you purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Can I do the temporary filling myself?

Yes, many companies now produce temporary fillings that are in the form of pastes. They can simply be rolled and applied to the teeth.

Can temporary fillings stop the pain?

Most temporary fillings are designed to calm the nerves in the teeth, so they can help to relieve you of pain.

Do emergency dental kits work?

Buying emergency dental kits is no doubt a great investment. They prove to be very beneficial in fixing broken teeth and dislodged crowns or caps, in case you can't see your doctor immediately.

However, any leftover debris under the filling may lead to infection. If not placed properly, the fillings might fall out. Moreover, you might suffer from jaw pain due to abnormally placed filling that affects chewing.

How do you glue a tooth back in your mouth?

You can place your tooth back into the socket by first rinsing it off with water and then placing it into the tooth socket. You can use temporary dental cement to secure the tooth until a professional is available to treat the problem clinically.

How much I will pay for an emergency dental appointment?

The cost of emergency dental services is relatively higher than a routine appointment. Emergency fillings to repair and protect broken teeth may cost around 100-250 GBP. Crowns are comparatively expensive and range from 1200 to 1400 GBP.

Sources:

1. Healthline. All About Temporary Fillings. Consulted 15th November 2022.
2. CDC. Sore Throat. Consulted 15th November 2022.