Dental fillings typically last over a decade and are generally resistant to wear and tear. However, if you experience sudden symptoms, it may be necessary to use an emergency tooth filling kit. This includes sudden crunch while eating, sensitivity around the cavity, or a missing cavity filling.
If you notice any of these situations, consult an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you cannot visit a dentist, you can fix the situation temporarily with an at-home dental kit filling.
What is a Dental Tooth Filling Kit?
A dental tooth filling kit includes a temporary filling material that can replace a missing filling or fill a cavity. This at-home kit is most suitable in an emergency until you visit a dentist.
The filling material of the kit is made of zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, eugenol, restorative materials, calcium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, and paraffin, which act as a temporary filling material. In addition to filling the cavities, the material also provides relief from sensitivity as it effectively covers the sensitive nerve endings of the tooth.
How to Use a Tooth Filling Kit?
To use an at-home tooth filling kit, follow the instructions below:
- Brush and floss your teeth. Make sure that your mouth is clean, and there is no food debris stuck in the cavity that needs to be filled.
- Take some of the material from the kit to roll it into a little ball.
- Place the ball into the cavity and gently push the material further with the help of a tool that came with the kit.
- Take a wet Q-tip and further push the filling material deeper with it. Try to spread the material to the sides of the tooth.
- Once done, try biting up and down and opening and closing your mouth several times.
- Bite down and try grinding side to side for a couple of times.
- Keep repeating the above two steps until your bite feels comfortable.
- If you feel uncomfortable, remove some of the filling material from your tooth.
Depending on the kit, the temporary material usually takes a few minutes to harden and it takes about 2 hours to completely set. During this time, make sure that you do not eat or chew on the specific site. Once you feel that the filling has hardened, you can bite normally and resume eating. However, avoid away from sticky and fried foods.
How Long Does a Temporary Tooth Filling Last?
The at-home tooth filling kits are meant for emergencies and only provide temporary relief. Although temporary, with good care, these can last up to 1-4 weeks. Ideally, the filling material begins to disintegrate slowly with each passing day. The rate of disintegration of a temporary tooth filling will depend greatly on the type of food you eat and your dental hygiene. For instance, the disintegration will be rapid with sticky and hard foods, including chips or candies. Before the final disintegration, make sure that you visit your dentist and get a permanent filling.
How to Take Care of a Tooth Filling?
Filling material does not require any special attention or care except for normal dental routine. Make sure that you gently brush the surface, just like you do for the rest of your teeth. The problem only arises when the filling is between two teeth. If that is the case, avoid flossing in the area, as it may disrupt the filling.
What are the Complications of Tooth Filling Kit?
Before using the kit, make sure that you read the instructions on the label properly. The most common complication with a tooth-filling kit is that if you use too much of the material, it may turn hard immediately. In such cases, your bite will be uneven and it may cause problems with normal eating and chewing.
It is important to keep in mind that the hardened filling either falls off on its own or needs to be drilled by a dentist. Hence, pay extra attention and make sure to place it carefully.
Takeaway
An at-home tooth filling kit is an excellent option for emergencies as it provides quick and temporary relief from the problem. It not only fills the cavity but also provides relief from sensitivity. Although the kit fixes your problem, be sure to visit a dentist for a permanent solution.
Get Your Cavities Filled at Osseo Family Dentistry!
Whether you have used a tooth filling kit or not, our team at Osseo Family Dentistry can provide you with a permanent solution to fill the cavities. With an experienced league of dentists and advanced technology at our disposal, we provide excellent solutions to all your dental needs.
Schedule an appointment with us today!