Temporary Tooth Filling
A temporary greenville tooth filling south carolina is a necessary step in a number of dental procedures: following a root canal, for example, or as a part of fixing a broken tooth. A temporary filling is one that is typically used for a few weeks to a couple months, either while a permanent crown is being created or immediately following a root canal or other procedure.
Unlike permanent fillings, which are typically made of composite fillings, silver alloys, gold, or porcelain, temporary fillings are frequently made from a compound referred to as glass ionomer, which interacts differently with both teeth and substances that are introduced to the mouth. In contrast to a permanent filling, this material is used merely as a temporary means to protect the sensitive roots and dentin inside of the damaged tooth and to prevent further damage from taking place while waiting for a permanent solution.
Due to the impermanent nature of a temporary filling, they are not designed to be as tough or durable as a permanent filling. For this reason, more care must be taken to protect temporary fillings so as not to damage or dislodge them.
Precautions to Take While Eating
Taking care with the foods that you eat and the way that you chew is a very important part of protecting the integrity of a temporary filling. You certainly won’t want to bite down on hard foods or eat particularly tacky or sticky foods that might come into contact with a temporary filling. You’ll also want to avoid chewing on ice or other similar substances. While permanent fillings are more able to handle these challenges, temporary fillings are simply not made to withstand the pressure these hard or sticky foods can put on them, and can be dislodged, necessitating another trip to the dentist’s office to have another temporary filling placed.
One precaution to focus on in order to protect a temporary filling is to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth in which the filling is located. While this can seem bothersome and a bit awkward, it is only a temporary need, as the permanent filling that will eventually be placed will be quite capable of handling your normal eating and chewing.
Softer foods that are easily and minimally chewed will make your life much easier while you’re waiting for a permanent filling. While it’s not necessary to change your diet excessively, tending towards smoothies, soups, and purees would certainly be beneficial.
Precautions to Take While Brushing and Flossing
Another daily routine in which a little extra care should be taken is in your regular brushing and flossing. You’ll definitely want to ensure that the toothbrush you are using to brush your teeth has either soft or extra-soft bristles, and while it is important to continue to brush thoroughly, you’ll want to do so gently, as well. The same goes for flossing; you can and should continue with your routine, but be sure to do so mindfully, taking care not to tug at the filling in any way. With these precautions in place, you should be able to maintain your temporary filling until your permanent filling is placed, at which time you’ll have to think much less about chewing (proper brushing and flossing is always important, though!).