Temporary Tooth Filling

Dental fillings restore the function and appearance of a tooth that is decayed or has been damaged and are most commonly used to treat cavities. A temporary tooth filling cary nc may be recommended for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is for patients who have a scheduled root canal or for patients who are waiting for a specialty crown or filling to be made.

The process for having a temporary tooth filling placed is straightforward and relatively painless. Your dentist will begin by numbing the area surrounding the cavity. Once this area is properly numbed, the decay surrounding the tooth will be removed, after which your dentist will set the temporary filling to prevent bacteria or infection from developing. Catching and treating cavities early on is the best way to keep the cost of your dental bills low. Left untreated, the issues that caused the cavities to develop in the first place can result in the spread of infection, which can potentially result in the loss of additional teeth.

How to Best Care for a Temporary Tooth Filling

The best way to care for a temporary tooth filling is to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the temporary filling is in place. Although this may seem like common sense, some temporary fillings must stay in place for up to a couple months, which can make it difficult to remember to continue exercising caution. In addition to chewing on the other side of your mouth as much as possible, it is also important to avoid hard or sharp foods and stick to softer food options, such as soup, ice cream, yogurt, etc.

Be Careful How You Brush and Invest in a Soft-Bristle Toothbrush

Following the placement of your temporary filling, many people wonder if they are still able to safely brush their teeth. It is not only alright to do so, it is important to continue brushing your teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, though you should purchase and use a soft-bristled tooth brush and be mindful to brush gently when you do brush.

It is also alright to continue flossing, though you will want to be particularly cautious when doing so, especially around the area of the temporary filling. One way to practice safe flossing is to avoid pulling up when removing the floss. Instead, pull the floss out to the side to avoid catching the filling and accidentally pulling it out.

Although temporary fillings will soon be replaced, it is important to keep in mind why you needed to have a temporary filling placed. One of the best ways to avoid needing additional fillings in the future and maintain and improve the overall health of your mouth is to consistently practice good oral hygiene habits. Make sure that you continue brushing and flossing twice a day. It is also important that you continue scheduling dental appointment checks up every six months. These checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and intervene when necessary before issues develop.

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