You should see a dentist if you have a hole in your tooth. When you see the dentist, he or she will use a drill to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then cover the hole with a synthetic material. Fillings are intended to prevent tooth decay and reduce discomfort.
If you don’t treat a cavity properly, the tooth might deteriorate and produce severe discomforts, such as an abscess that may necessitate a root canal or tooth extraction. If you can’t get to the dentist, use this guide to build a temporary tooth filling at home to safeguard your tooth until your next appointment.
Types of Dental Fillings
Dentists employ a variety of tooth filling materials depending on the type of cavity filling. Dentists usually employ tooth-colored material for front tooth fillings, for example.
Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages in terms of:
- Cost
- Appearance
- Strength
- Durability
- Ease of application
The key distinctions between the most common tooth filling materials are discussed here.
Amalgam (silver) Fillings
Silver-colored amalgam cavity fillings are manufactured from a metal mixture that includes around 50% mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
This is the least expensive tooth filling material available and is relatively simple to use. It is also the most powerful, which is why it is frequently utilized on stress-bearing surfaces. It’s an excellent choice for large or deep cavity fillings.
One obvious disadvantage is that metal cavity fillings are ugly and are therefore usually avoided for front teeth. Some people also avoid amalgam fillings due to concerns about the mercury concentration.
Although some mercury vapor may be emitted during the placement or removal of these fillings, the American Dental Association (ADA) maintains that “based on known scientific information, amalgam remains to be a safe and effective restorative material.”
While the bulk of research suggests that exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings does not lead to harmful health effects for most individuals, there may be some impacts in those with particular health concerns, such as those who are hypersensitive to mercury, according to the American FDA.
Do you want to learn more about the hazards of dental amalgam, clinical studies on its use, and if you should get amalgam or composite fillings? All of this is discussed in further depth in our composite vs. amalgam filling article.
Dental Resin Composite Fillings
Composite tooth fillings are typically constructed of an acrylic resin and powdered glass combination. The resin-based composite material is tinted to closely match your natural tooth color, making the filling virtually invisible.
A composite cavity filling is similar to tooth-colored putty.
This dental filling material, however, is not as long-lasting as amalgam. As a result, it is not suggested for deep fillings or those on biting surfaces. It is also more technically challenging to apply for, which means it takes a little longer.
The composite resin material is also used to make veneers and to repair broken or cracked teeth.
Glass Ionomer Fillings
Another white teeth filling option is glass ionomer cement. Because it is not as robust as composite resin fillings, it is frequently used for temporary fillings, such as in children’s milk teeth. Because it does not have to adhere to a dry surface, it can also be used to replace decaying areas on tooth roots below the gum line.
Glass ionomer also releases fluoride, which aids in the prevention of future deterioration.
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are another alternative, although due to their striking appearance, they are not everyone’s first choice. They are the most lasting and powerful of all the filler materials, but they are also the most expensive.
Gold fillings cannot be molded or put directly into the tooth cavity. Instead, they are often created in a lab using an impression of the tooth. This means spending more time in the dentist’s chair, which many individuals prefer to avoid. If you’re set on gold and need your teeth straightened, gold braces could be the solution.
One form of dental filling that we will not discuss in this post is root fillings. Our comprehensive article on root canal treatment may be found here.
Best Tooth Filling Kit Review
- Mastermedi Zinc Oxide Eugenol Cement Dental Care Kit- The easy mix rapid setting zinc oxide-eugenol cement is a new cavity lining material that combines the high thermal insulation properties of magnesium oxide with the excellent restorative adhesion and low film thickness of eugenol based cement, by means of the high-quality calcium oxide powder components mixed into the putty at manufacture.
- DenTek Temparin Max Lost Filling and Loose Cap Repair Kit– Temporarily repairs lost fillings, caps, crowns, or inlays. Easy to apply one-step formula. Includes dual ended no-mess applicator. Should only be removed by a dental professional, who should be seen within 48 hours of use. Each kit includes 5+ applications
- Dentemp Maximum Strength Loose Cap and Lost Filling Repair– Dentemp Premium Dental Repair is clinically proven to temporarily repair loose caps and crowns and replace lost fillings, while providing instant pain relief. It comes with a handy applicator tool for easy application and a handy keychain carrying case for easy portability. Dentemp Premium Dental Repair is the answer to your dental emergencies.
- Refilit Lost Filling Repair, Cherry– REFILIT – The Highest Quality of Ingredients for the Most Complete Fillings! This product is a universal tooth repair gel that fills and seals cavities in seconds! Moreover, it requires no mixing and it can repair broken teeth and also help you to fill caps and crowns that are loose.
FAQ: Best Tooth Filling Kit
What tooth filling material is best?
Silver Amalgam
Silver amalgam fillings have been the most common and best choice for fillings in teeth for a long time, even going back a few generations. The best thing about silver amalgam is that it tends to last much longer than other types of dental fillings. However, the higher level of dependability does cost more money.
Also, silver amalgam doesn’t match natural teeth as well as a composite resin would. So, it works best for teeth that are less noticeable and can handle more pressure. Silver amalgam is usually a good choice for a dental filling because it lasts for years and costs slightly more than some other options.
Composite Resin
The best thing about a filling made of composite resin is that it looks just like a real tooth. So, composite resins are good choices for fillings that need to be done on the front teeth or any other tooth that people can see.
Composite resin dental fillings may not be able to withstand as much constant pressure as silver or gold dental fillings, but they are still very reliable and should last for many years without needing to be fixed or replaced.
Cast Gold
Cast gold dental fillings have been used for hundreds of years, just like silver amalgam. They can handle constant pressure better than other dental filling materials and have been used for hundreds of years.
As with most high-quality things, a gold dental filling may cost more than a composite resin or porcelain inlay. However, depending on which tooth needs to be filled, it may be the best investment. Also, keep in mind that dental fillings made of cast gold might not look totally natural.
Porcelain Inlays
Porcelain inlays are different from other dental filling materials because they last longer than composite resin and look more natural than dental fillings made of gold or silver.
Also, porcelain inlays may need more than one visit to the dentist because it can be harder to put them on the teeth. But porcelain inlays may be the best dental filling material, and many dentists recommend them. They may cost a little more than other options and be harder to put in, but they may be the best option.
Do home tooth filling Kits Work?
Home tooth filling kits are not glued to your teeth like dentist-applied fillings. They are merely placed into a cavity with one’s finger and are only held in place by locking into undercuts. This makes them extremely prone to falling out.
Can I put a filling on my own tooth?
You can fill your own cavity for less money than a dentist will charge, but that’s not the best thing to do. If you don’t get rid of an infection and clean the tooth, you’re just sealing in the damage. When a cavity gets too far along, it can lead to an infection that needs root canal treatment.
How can I temporarily fill a hole in my tooth at home?
- Use your toothbrush to remove plaque and bits of food from the tooth.
- Put the cotton rolls next to the tooth to try to keep it as dry as possible.
- Use the right amount of filling material based on how big the hole in your tooth is.
How long does a DIY temporary filling last?
Even though there’s no set time, the best temporary filling for a tooth should last between six and eight weeks. It will slowly fall apart and break over time.
Does over the counter tooth filling work?
Dentemp has been shown in clinical tests to temporarily fix loose caps and crowns and replace lost fillings. It also stops pain right away. A dentist-made Dentemp, the over-the-counter dental cement that sells the most. It’s easy to use, and the formula is safe and strong, so you can eat it in just 2 hours.
Can you use chewing gum as a temporary filling?
Like dental cement, sugar-free gum can be used to fill a hole in your tooth temporarily. It might even help your teeth feel better. If you have a cavity, you should never use gum with sugar in it because it can make the cavity worse and hurt the area. Just chew up a piece of gum and put it on the spot.
Conclusion
If you don’t have the funds, time, or motivation to visit the dentist right away, don’t put it off. If you utilize one of the simple remedies listed above in the correct manner, it should have little effect. When traveling, it’s also a good idea to include an emergency dentistry kit, as problems always tend to arise at the worst possible times!
Medical treatment should be sought immediately if you are in a lot of pain, are bleeding, or have a lot of swelling.
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