A temporary filling after a root canal can seal a hole in a tooth. This prevents food and bacteria from getting into the hole and causing further dental problems. After the root canal heals, your dentist replaces the temporary filling with a permanent one.
How long can you keep a temporary filling on a root canal? Temporary fillings are not designed for the long-term. At most, they are good for about four weeks after the root canal. Failing to return for a permanent filling increases the odds of re-infection, with a possible loss of the tooth or a second root canal.
The reason dentists use temporary fillings is to protect your tooth until it can be repaired permanently. A temporary filling can alleviate pain and can let you get on with your life while you wait for a permanent filling.
After getting a temporary filling, you may be somewhat concerned about brushing your teeth, but it's okay to brush the filled tooth the same way you brush your other teeth. To be safe, use a soft or extra soft bristle toothbrush and brush gently, but carefully.
A delay of more than six weeks in getting this restoration will place your tooth and the root canal work in jeopardy, as the temporary filling will start to break down microscopically.
Root canal temporary filling also controls pain and sensitivity. For instance, you are experiencing a toothache, the temporary filling will seal the tooth for some time. The sealing blocks the bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection, therefore, saving the tooth and root canal.
Temporary fillings can be a very useful tool if used in the right circumstances. They're a short term solution that eases the pain of damage and makes it possible for you to go about your life as normal until you can get the proper treatment.
Try to avoid hard and/or sticky foods
Nuts, hard candies and sticky foods such as sweets and toffees are best avoided while your temporary filling is in place. Biting down hard on such foods may loosen or even remove the temporary filling.
Most temporary fillings should be able to handle gentle chewing. There are foods that should be avoided in general until a temporary filling is replaced, these include any hard or sticky foods, like candy, nuts, and chewing gum.
After your procedure wait until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating so you won't bite your cheek or tongue. Don't chew or bite down on the treated tooth until it is fully restored by a dentist to avoid damaging it.
In most cases, patients require only a few days to recover from a root canal procedure. After the procedure, the patient may feel some irritation or soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours. To manage this pain and soreness, your dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication.
Temporary fillings need care
Although no fixed time is mentioned, the best temporary filling for a tooth should last up to six to eight weeks. It will gradually break and fall out with time.
A temporary dental filling is a non-permanent solution to a variety of oral concerns and, because it's not designed to last forever, it's natural for it to fall out over time. A temporary tooth filling should last around 6-8 weeks, so what should you do if yours falls out prematurely?
In most cases, removing the infection from the root canal space allows the surrounding bone tissue to regenerate. It takes several months to a year for bone tissue to heal. The following images illustrate the healing in the bone tissue after root canal treatment.
A temporary filling is an excellent way to protect a damaged tooth as you wait for a permanent filling. Temporary fillings aren't meant to last, so be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to receive a permanent filling. This can protect your tooth from further decay and infection.
Wait To Eat After Your Filling Is Placed
But generally, it's recommended to wait until your anesthesia has worn off, so you don't bite your tongue. For some fillings, you may need to wait for 24 hrs before eating on the side of the mouth with the filling so that the filling stays in place.
For the following 24 hours After Treatment you must: Avoid any dark staining drinks like Tea, Coffee, Red Wine, colored soft or alcoholic drinks and fruit juice. Avoid all dark staining foods like bolognese, soy sauce, red meat, chocolate and all fruit except bananas.
Even though you have a temporary tooth filling you will want to maintain good mouth hygiene habits. That means regularly brushing and flossing. If you have a temporary filling you can still brush your teeth but you need to be aware that how you brush will make a difference. Be more gentle and take your time.
Choose Soft Foods- With temporary crowns, you should avoid hard, tough, or sticky foods. Examples of these foods are gum, steak, uncooked vegetables, hard candy, and nuts. These food categories are not ideal for temporary crowns because they can loosen the glue holding the crown in place.
A successful root canal can cause mild pain for a few days. This is temporary, and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.
Antibiotics after a root canal are not necessary. After root canal treatment, it takes a little time to fully recover. Do not eat crispy or hard things after a root canal. It is most important to protect against dental damage after treatment.
The root canal procedure is completed in two separate visits to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, sealed up, and protected from further damage.
Tenderness or pain in the tooth when applying pressure, even after recovering from treatment. Swelling after recovery or pimple-like structures developing and leaking pus in the area. Temperature sensitivity, such as a quick, sharp pain after taking a sip of hot coffee or cold soda.
The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth's structural integrity.