Today we are exploring Temporary Fillings for teeth. Restoring the functionality and aesthetics of dentition, as a rule, is a complex of several procedures aimed at eliminating pathological changes and negative symptoms. Depending on the specifics of the diagnosed disease, whether it is superficial caries, pulpitis, or root canal damage, the dentist decides on the methods and materials used to treat the cavity and eliminate pain. It is far from always possible to solve the problem in one visit to the clinic – and in this case, it becomes necessary to create safe conditions that exclude the possibility of infection or damage to the problem area due to external influences. Why and why do they put temporary fillings, what it is and how it looks, what medicines are placed in the teeth, and how long can and should you walk with a similar “patch”? Let’s figure it out.
General view
From a technical point of view, this is an option used for short-term operation, which allows for solving specific dental problems. Filling compositions include mainly cement components, such as:
- Artificial dentin based on kaolin and zinc sulfate.
- Cement containing zinc-Eugenio and vikasol containing zinc oxide.
- Design based on polycarboxylate and carbonate, which creates the effect of an analgesic.
- Glass ionomer cementing structure.
The choice in favor of some option is determined by the specifics of a particular clinical situation. In some cases, the period of wearing a temporary filling is determined by the moment when the problematic unit stops hurting, while in other situations the duration can be up to 4-6 months.
Indications for installation
The list of circumstances for which it is considered appropriate to use intermediate formulations is quite diverse:
- Cause — Purpose
- Making an artificial inlay — Closure of the cavity from external influence for the period of permanent material preparation
- Nerve removal — Painful and traumatic procedure necessitates additional monitoring of the tooth
- Root canal cleaning — Placement under a temporary filling of a drug that eliminates the remnants of pathogenic microbes
- Pulpitis treatment — Laying a drug that prevents the processes of necrosis and decay of the pulp
- Intermediate protection — When conducting a treatment and rehabilitation course in several sessions – it is used as a plug for the exposed areas of the crown
- Recovery after purulent periodontitis — Purification of pus involves the use of intermediate tabs to stop the tubules from the risk of re-inflammation
Checking the quality of treatment
Inflammatory processes in the structure of the periodontium require a long recovery, the task of which is the formation of an outflow for the resulting fluid and suppuration. The implementation of the protocol implies cleaning and expanding the channel structure. A prerequisite is an assessment of the reaction of the tooth to root sealing, and this is one of those cases when a temporary filling is placed. The absence of negative manifestations for several days is considered a positive factor, allowing you to move on to the next stage of treatment.
Closure of root canals
Endodontic procedures, in which internal cavities are processed and sealed, require high professional qualifications of the attending physician, primarily due to the lack of visual control. The standard practice is to stop the pathology in several stages, in between which it is important to protect open areas from pathogenic microbes. Studies show that the use of materials with antiseptic properties provides an effective fight against bacteria that can provoke inflammation. Depending on what kind of medicine is put into the tooth under a temporary filling, and what the task is in a particular situation, the result can last for 10-14 days – this is quite enough to prevent infection.
Deep caries
The prolonged development of carious processes leads to the defeat of the pulp – the area in which there are nerve endings and blood vessels that provide nutrition to the element of the dentition. Extraction of the nerve allows for stopping pain, however, before proceeding with the removal, it must be neutralized. In this case, a paste containing arsenic is used, which is placed in the cavity formed as a result of tissue removal and sealed with a tab. Sometimes non-toxic materials have to be kept for 2-3 weeks – how many days the medicine can be in the tooth, how long the child needs to walk with such a temporary filling, and what will happen if you do not remove and remove it on time, the doctor explains in detail during the consultation.
Treatment of periodontitis
Another serious problem, characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process both to the root part and to the area around it, occurs against the background of advanced pulpitis, as well as in cases where the previously performed filling was of insufficient quality. The recovery protocol involves the removal of affected areas and is implemented sequentially, which necessitates the use of sealing materials. Speaking about why medicine is put in the tooth, it is worth noting that in addition to the antiseptic function, the drugs used also play a diagnostic role.
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What is a temporary filling made of?
In dental practice, various compositions are used, however, compliance with certain requirements is a prerequisite:
- Plastic structure and ease of application.
- Resistance to mechanical loads after polymerization.
- Biological compatibility with oral tissues.
- Reliable adhesive bond with the crown.
These criteria are met by pastes based on artificial dentine containing zinc oxide and sulfate with white clay, produced in powder form to create the desired volume of solution. High-strength cement is also used, which is recommended for the restoration of chewing units, and polymeric materials that instantly harden under the directed action of a light beam.
Components for intermediate filling
For each functional task, there is its kind of composition, thanks to which doctors have the opportunity to qualitatively restore the structure of the processed crown:
- Pastes containing kaolin and zinc sulfate help to level the surface and normalize occlusal closure during the treatment period.
- Karyosan is used as an analgesic and antiseptic, eliminating pain and infection of the cavity with bacteria.
- Vikasol is an artificial form of dentin that can withstand chewing load for 4-6 weeks.
- A combination of cement containing eugenol and zinc is recommended to stop inflammatory processes.
- The glass ionomer composition, which has adhesive properties, allows you to fix prosthetic structures.
Polymers of a one-component type, characterized by a viscous consistency, quickly harden when using a special lamp.
How long is a temporary filling
The duration of wearing an airtight tab is determined by the goals of the treatment plan. So, in those cases when it comes to killing the nerve and the subsequent removal of the pulp, arsenic or other toxic substances are used that neutralize the sensitive area. The result is achieved within a week – a longer period can lead to the poisoning of adjacent tissues. If the filling is used during the treatment of periodontitis or deep pulpitis, characterized by an acute course of inflammatory processes, antiseptics, and antibiotics are placed under the material, which will take up to 20-25 days to walk with.
Preparing for installation
At the preliminary stage, it is important to follow the entire list of medical recommendations. The key requirement is the absence of tissues that have undergone pathological changes in the treated cavity. In the presence of purulent contents, the tooth should remain open for as long as it takes to completely stop the inflammatory process. The patient’s task is to perform hygienic care procedures, including the use of special rinse solutions, as well as adhere to a diet that excludes foods and dishes from the diet that can provoke irritation of nerve endings.
How a temporary filling is placed
The intermediate nature of the composition used for a specific purpose determines the mandatory implementation of several manipulations. With the help of boron and tools, the dentist frees the area from tissue remnants that have a devastating effect on the overall structure. In root canal treatment, the nerve is removed either immediately or after the killing cycle is completed with an arsenic-based paste. The cavity is hermetically sealed with the selected material, after which the doctor thoroughly and in detail tells the patient the main nuances – how long a temporary filling can stand in the tooth, which means following the recommendations in terms of achieving the desired result and what to do if the tab crumbles or falls out before the end of the scheduled period.
Wearing period
The quality of modern materials eliminates the functional or aesthetic problems associated with the application of the intermediate composition. The formed structure does not differ in shade from natural enamel, has a smooth surface, does not cause inconvenience, and does not cause discomfort. If you experience discomfort or pain, you should immediately contact your doctor.
Care rules
The most difficult of the possible options should be considered the restoration of chewing units that are subjected to regular stress. The tabs withstand mechanical pressure for 2-3 weeks – with longer periods there is a possibility of destruction and deformation. Recommendations aimed at reducing the negative impact include:
- Exclusion from the diet of foods with a solid structure – nuts, seeds, crackers, and so on.
- Refusal of toffee, chewing gum, marshmallow, and other sweets with a sticky and viscous consistency.
- Daily cleaning of the oral cavity at least twice – in the morning and evening.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Rinse after each meal, including special solutions.
Compliance with simple rules will help extend the service life.
How are permanent fillings replaced?
After the material has fulfilled its function, it is time to install the main tab, which has a stronger and more reliable structure. A drill is used to remove the remnants of the temporary “stub”. The open cavity is treated with an antiseptic and checked for the presence of affected tissues and inflamed areas. In the absence of complications, the crown is filled with a composition, the polymerization of which fits into one session. Specialists of Dentika dental clinics make sure that all procedures performed are comfortable and painless for patients and guarantee the achievement of the desired treatment result.
FAQ
Consider the most relevant topics of interest to those who have not yet encountered the filling procedure on their own experience.
What to do if a tooth hurts under a temporary filling
Painful sensations, manifested in aching or acute form in the first hours after installation, are usually due to the gradual effect of the drugs used. Analgesics help relieve symptoms, the choice of which depends on medical indications. At later stages, the problem may be associated with the development of an allergic reaction to the installed material or with an insufficiently thorough treatment of the cavity, inside which the affected tissue or fragments of dentin remained. The only right decision is to consult a doctor who will remove the tab and conduct an additional examination.
What difficulties may arise in the process of wearing
Another source of pain is often a nerve that is not destroyed and reacts sharply to external stimuli. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by the development of inflammatory processes. If the seal crumbles and fell out, the open area is vulnerable to the effects of pathogenic bacteria that instantly penetrate inside. In such a situation, sanitation and antiseptic treatment will have to be carried out again to exclude the further development of the infection.
Among the possible problems is also the appearance of a specific aftertaste. As a rule, the cause is the depressurization of the tab, against the background of which the embedded drug gradually seeps out. If the material has darkened, and the gum tissue around it is swollen and reddened, it is worth undergoing a diagnosis and eliminating the risk of an allergic reaction.
What to do if the coating collapsed ahead of time
Practice shows that not all patients immediately notice the absence of a temporary filling. When a cavity develops, it is important to schedule a clinic visit for the earliest available date, and until then, ensure that food particles do not accumulate inside. At the same time, it is strongly not recommended to use improvised tabs – from gauze, cotton wool, chewing gum, or other improvised materials, since there is a considerable chance of aggravating the situation and infecting the tooth tissues.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent fillings?
In the first case, we are talking about an intermediate procedure necessary to solve specific dental problems that do not fit into one visit to the doctor. The second technique belongs to the category of restoration and is designed to restore the aesthetics and functionality of the dentition, excluding the development of pathological processes and eliminating the discomfort experienced by the patient.
Conclusion
Timely diagnostics in Dentika centre’s recommended at least once every six months, help to identify dental diseases in the early stages. Understanding the specifics of dental treatment, as well as knowing why temporary fillings are placed in front of permanent fillings, makes it easier to follow medical recommendations since the patient is aware of the importance of the interim period in terms of achieving the desired result.