A temporary filling acts as a short-term protective barrier for a tooth that requires further dental work, such as a root canal or the creation of a permanent crown. These restorations are intentionally designed to be weaker and softer than their permanent counterparts, often composed of materials like zinc oxide eugenol or glass ionomer cement, which are easier for a dentist to remove later. The primary purpose of this temporary cap is to seal the prepared tooth structure, shielding the delicate inner nerves and pulp from bacteria, saliva, and food particles until the final restoration is placed.
How to Safely Brush Your Temporary Filling
You can and should continue to brush the tooth with the temporary filling, but the cleaning technique must be extremely gentle to preserve the material. Use a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles, which minimizes mechanical stress on the filling surface and the surrounding gum tissue. Apply minimal pressure, moving the brush in gentle, circular motions rather than using aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing strokes.
When brushing the chewing surface, direct the motion away from the edges of the filling to avoid catching and prematurely lifting the material out of the cavity preparation. A non-abrasive toothpaste is preferred, as highly abrasive pastes can contribute to the accelerated wear of softer temporary materials. Always hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline to ensure plaque removal without directly forcing the bristles against the filling.
Essential Care Beyond Brushing
Protecting the temporary filling requires changes to your eating and flossing habits. Immediately after placement, you should avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the filling, as the force of mastication can easily dislodge the material. You must avoid extremely hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, such as nuts, caramel, chewing gum, and hard candies, which can pull the filling out or cause it to fracture.
Flossing around the temporary filling also requires an altered technique to prevent accidental removal. Instead of snapping the floss up and out from between the teeth, which can catch the edge of the filling, slide the floss out sideways from the contact point. Be mindful of temperature changes, as some temporary materials may not provide as much insulation as a permanent filling, potentially leading to increased sensitivity to very hot or cold beverages.
When to Call the Dentist
While some minor chipping of the temporary filling is common, certain signs require an immediate call to your dental office. If the entire filling falls out, or if you feel the material is loose or shifting in the tooth, contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. Other signs of a potential problem include a sudden onset of sharp, persistent pain or a noticeable increase in sensitivity to temperature.
You may also notice a bad taste or odor originating from the filled area, which can indicate that bacteria are leaking past the filling’s seal. If the filling has come out, you can temporarily protect the exposed area by rinsing with warm salt water. Some people use a small piece of sugarless gum or an over-the-counter temporary dental filling material to cover the exposed cavity until professional treatment is available.