Temporary filling for broken Tooth

A temporary dental filling is a short term restoration provided to protect a broken, cracked or decayed tooth, until a permanent restoration, such as a crown or a permanent filling, can be placed. It waterproofs the affected site, prevents additional injury and reduces sensitivity or pain. Castings fillings usually consist of a zinc oxide, glass ionomer, or Cavit material and can last from several weeks to several months in a temporary situation.

This treatment is ideal for:

• Patients suffering broken or fractured teeth that require immediate attention.
• Individuals awaiting a dental crown, inlay, or onlay.
• Individuals with deep decay needing root canal but prefer to have temporary relief first.
• People who are unable to undergo a continuous treatment due to time or cost factors.

Common materials include:

• Zinc Oxide Eugenol: Relieves the pain & possesses antibacterial properties.
• Glass Ionomer: It releases fluoride which helps in fighting decay.
• Cavit: A quick-setting, ready-mixed material.
• Composite Resin (Temporary): Tooth-colored but not as durable as permanent versions.

• Evaluation: The dentist evaluates the damage and cleans the tooth.
• Isolation: The zone is dried for adequate adhesion.
• Application: The temporary material get placed in the cavity or crack.
• Shaping: The filling is shaped to restore the tooth’s form.
• Setting: Some materials cure immediately, while light curing is needed for others.

• Instant pain relief: Decrease in sensitivity and pain.
• Prevents further damage: Protects the tooth from bacteria and debris.
• Economic: It is an affordable short-term solution.
• Timing flexibility: Permanent treatment can be scheduled whenever it is convenient for patients.

• Simple process taking less than 30 minutes.
• Less invasive than crowns or root canals.
• Great for emergency dental situation.

Temporary fillings may last between 2–4 weeks, but under proper care some can last even up to 6–8 weeks. They aren’t meant to be permanent and will eventually crack, wear away, or fall out.

Depending on how complex the break and material used the process can simple and take anywhere from 15–30 minutes.

The cost of temporary fillings is anywhere between ₹1,000–₹4,000, depending upon the material and location of the clinic. This is much cheaper than permanent solutions such as crowns (pricier ₹8,000–₹20,000 or even more).

• Leakage: If the filling loosens, bacteria can get in.
• Falling out: Needs to be replaced immediately to prevent pain or infection.
• Allergic reactions: Some materials can lead to allergies, but this is rare.
• Tooth sensitivity: Transient pain when exposed to hot/cold stimuli.

• Not a permanent solution; needs follow-up work.
• Not as durable as crowns or permanent fillings.
• May limit chewing on the affected side.

• Long term Fillings: For small breaks (cost: ₹3,000–₹10,000).
• Dental Crowns: For more serious fractures (cost: ₹8,000–₹20,000).
• Root Canal Therapy: If pulp is infected (₹5,000–₹15,000/tooth).
• Tooth Extraction: Suggested only in cases of irreparable damage (cost: ₹1,000–₹8,000).

• Do not eat hard or sticky food on the treated side.
• Brush gently around the area.
• Swish with antiseptic mouthwash regularly to prevent infection.
• Polish the tooth and schedule an appointment for permanent treatment.