If you have accidentally chipped or fractured your tooth, perhaps due to trauma to the mouth, such as a fall or sports injury, or biting down on hard objects, such as ice, hard candy, or pens, then you may be in need of a quick fix at home. In such a case, you can use a temporary filling kit to repair and restore your chipped or broken tooth right in the comfort of your home.
Although a DIY tooth filling kit may not necessarily give you the best permanent results, it should be sufficient to repair an old or lost filling in an emergency situation, or at least, restore the normal function of your mouth when you have a damaged tooth.
A tooth filling is a safe and straightforward procedure if performed by a professional dentist with the right tools and materials. Dental fillings require a certain level of expertise, training, and equipment to be properly placed, so attempting to do so at home is not recommended as it could lead to serious complications and further damage to the tooth.
How to use a temporary tooth replacement product at home
Clean the area thoroughly before attempting to place a temporarily filling in your tooth. To do this:
- Clean your hands
- Brush your teeth and use an electric water flosser to remove particles from the tooth and surrounding area.
- Rinse the cavity with warm salt water to get rid of bacteria and clear away debris from the missing portion of the tooth.
- Dry the affected tooth
- Prepare some tooth nerve pain remedies
You can expect some toothache when the dentin, section of tooth that is covered by enamel, gets exposed to air. To manage this, consider using over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin.
Option 1: Homemade Temporary Tooth Filling
- Mix 1/8 tablespoon of zinc oxide powder, 1 drop of clove oil, and 1 drop of wild oregano oil to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the dry tooth, pushing it into the cavity.
- Wrap any remaining paste in plastic wrap for future use until you can see a dentist.
Option 2: Orthodontic Wax
- Wash your hands thoroughly and apply tooth nerve pain remedy to the surrounding gum for pain relief.
- Use tweezers to fill the hole with orthodontic wax.
- Place a small piece of cotton over the wax and bite down to seal the cavity.
- Replace the wax filling with fresh orthodontic wax every 12 hours.
Please note that these homemade tooth filling options provide temporary relief and should not substitute professional dental care. It’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible to address the underlying dental issue and receive proper treatment.
How to use a home filling repair kit
The DIY tooth filling kit can come in handy as a temporary fix to help you manage any immediate pain, sensitivity, and discomfort, before you can see a dentist.
This kit typically comprises a putty-like material that you apply on the chipped area of the tooth and compress until it holds. Though the instructions may vary for different products depending on the manufacturer.
1. DenTek Home Dental First Aid Kit
One of the most common products for getting a filling at home is the Dentek Dental First Aid Kit that comes with:
- Eugonol – for cleaning and pain relief
- Temparin Max – for the actual filling
- A tooth saver – to store the broken tooth
- An applicator tool
The DenTek Home Dental First Aid Kit is a convenient and affordable option for repairing lost fillings or securing loose caps, crowns, or inlays at home.
The kit comes with a temporary filling material and dental cement, which can be used to replace a lost filling or reattach a loose cap or crown until you can see a dentist.
The temporary filling material is also easy to shape and mold, making it simple to create a custom fit for your tooth.
2. The Toofypegs Emergency Temporary Repair Kit
This Toofypegs dental emergency kit is designed to temporarily replace lost fillings or crowns at home. It works well as a crown repair kit on both permanent and temporary tooth caps.
The kit features a range of dental tools, temporary filling material, and dental cement, which can be used to replace a lost filling or reattach a loose crown or bridge.
This kit includes two capsules of cement, which is enough for two applications. Toofypegs’ instructions state that only a single drop of water should be used to mix one capsule of cement before attempting to repair a loose crown!
3. The Temptooth Temporary Teeth Replacement Kit
This Temptooth kit works by melting down plastic beads and shaping them into the form of a missing tooth. This temporary tooth should be removed when going to bed. And if done correctly, it can last for weeks or even months.
A single kit contains enough material to make up to ten fake teeth.
The Temptooth kit is both affordable and easy to use. The thermoplastic material is easy to shape and mold to fit your mouth, and the kit comes with clear instructions to guide you through the process. It can be a good option for people who are waiting for a permanent tooth replacement, or for those who cannot afford a permanent dental restoration at the moment.
How to use a dental crown repair kit at home
If you have a missing or damaged tooth, a crown repair kit can provide temporary relief and improve your appearance until you can see a dentist for a permanent solution.
Here is how to use a temporary tooth replacement product at home to ensure the best possible restoration:
Step 1: Clean the area
Before applying the temporary tooth replacement, make sure the surrounding area is clean. Gently brush and rinse your mouth to remove any food debris or bacteria.
Step 2: Choose the right product
There are various temporary tooth replacement options available, such as temporary dental filling material or tooth repair kits as discussed above. Select a product that suits your needs and is specifically designed for temporary use.
Step 3: Read the instructions
Carefully read the instructions provided with the product to understand how to use it correctly. Each product may have specific application guidelines and precautions.
Step 4: Prepare the product
Depending on the type of temporary tooth replacement product, you may need to mix certain components or mold the material to fit your tooth. Follow the instructions to prepare the product accordingly.
Step 5: Shape and mold the replacement
Using clean hands or a tool provided with the product, shape and mold the temporary tooth replacement material to resemble the missing or damaged tooth. Try to achieve a natural-looking shape and fit.
Step 6: Apply the replacement
Once you have molded the temporary tooth replacement, gently place it in the gap or over the damaged tooth. Press it firmly but carefully to ensure it stays in place. Make any necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Step 7: Check the bite and comfort
Bite down gently to check if the temporary replacement aligns properly with your other teeth. Ensure that it feels comfortable and does not cause any pain or discomfort while eating or speaking.
Step 8: Practice good oral hygiene
While using a temporary tooth replacement, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth gently, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash or saltwater solution to keep the area clean.
NB:
Remember that a temporary tooth replacement is not a permanent solution. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to discuss long-term options and receive appropriate dental treatment. Additionally, if you experience any persistent pain, discomfort, or complications, it is advisable to seek professional dental advice promptly.
Risks of getting a DIY tooth filling at home
A dental filling is a procedure where a dentist removes decayed tooth material and fills the area with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold. This process requires specialized dental instruments and techniques to properly prepare the tooth and ensure that the filling is securely and correctly placed.
Attempting to get a tooth filling at home can lead to a number of risks and complications, including:
- Infection: If the tooth is not properly cleaned and sterilized before placing the filling, bacteria can remain and cause an infection.
- Incorrect placement: Improper placement of the filling can lead to further damage to the tooth, including cracks and fractures, which may require more extensive dental work to repair.
- Discomfort and pain: If the filling is not properly placed or shaped, it can cause discomfort or pain while chewing or biting down, and even damage surrounding teeth.
- Allergic reactions: Some dental filling materials can cause allergic reactions that lead to swelling, pain, or other serious symptoms.
- Color mismatch: The shade of the filling material is unlikely to match the color of your teeth
- Lacks durability: A home-made tooth filling might only stay in place for a few weeks before it falls out or wears down. In which case, you will have to either repeat the procedure or visit your dentist for a permanent restoration.
- Conceals real danger: Perhaps the greatest risk is that it may give you a false sense of recovery, causing you to delay getting proper treatment for the actual problem. During this time, any existing tooth decay might continue getting worse, requiring a more invasive treatment such as root canal therapy to save the tooth, or even risk losing the tooth altogether.
- Risk of jaw problems: A poorly installed filling that does not take into consideration the size and shape or adjacent and opposing teeth can cause uneven strain on your teeth and jaws, resulting in jaw pain, headaches, weakening teeth, and even damage to surrounding teeth.
So, whether you want to repair a worn down restoration or fix a chipped tooth or cavities with dental fillings, it’s recommended that you visit a professional dentist to discuss your treatment options.
Otherwise, any DIY tooth repair kits for home should be used for the shortest time possible before seeking treatment from a licensed dental professional who can properly evaluate your dental needs and provide appropriate care.
Dental Office Temporary and Permanent Fillings
Once it is determined that your tooth can be saved via filling, your dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill out the cavity with a dental filling material.
There are different ways to fill a cavity, including:
1. Temporary filling
The most common type of temporary filling is cement filling, which is intended to last for only a few months.
The maximum duration that a temporary filling can stay in place depends on the type of material used, since some are made to be semi-permanent, such as glass ionomer cements.
Typical temporary fillings include PolyF, Cavit, Fugi GIC cement, and Zinc Oxide Eugenol.
Pros
- Helps you feel more comfortable until you’re able to get a permanent filling – like when you have a hyper-sensitive tooth
- Quick and easy to install – for emergency appointments
Cons
- Wear very quickly as they are not meant to last
- If left for prolonged periods, they can fracture and fall out
2. Permanent filling using Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)
This is a conservative and minimally invasive approach to restoring decayed teeth. It is particularly useful in situations where access to dental care is limited or when patients have difficulty tolerating traditional dental procedures.
The ART technique requires removal of the decayed portion of the tooth Infected dentin) using hand instruments, such as excavators and spoon excavators, while preserving healthy tooth structure. After decay removal, the cavity is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed to remove debris and bacteria. The cavity is then conditioned using a mild acid or conditioner, which helps to disinfect the remaining tooth structure and prepare it for filling.
A suitable filling material is then applied to the cavity. The most commonly used material in ART is a high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC). GIC is a tooth-colored material that bonds chemically to the tooth structure, providing a durable and aesthetic restoration. The filling material is placed into the prepared cavity using hand instruments. The dentist ensures that the material is well adapted to the cavity walls and contours to provide a proper seal and stability.
Once the restoration is placed, excess material is removed, and the surface is shaped and polished to achieve a smooth and natural appearance.
Pros
Creates a long-lasting restoration that restores the tooth’s function and aesthetics while minimizing discomfort for the patient.
Simple method used where conventional cavity preparation is not feasible
Beneficial in resource-limited settings where access to advanced dental equipment may be limited.
- Cost-effective as it does not require any anaesthesia, electricity, or running water
- Minimal pain during cavity preparation – due to creation of smaller cavities
- Conserves tooth structure and minimises trauma
Cons
- Mostly used in the developing rural countries though it is now found in developed countries
- Not ideal for multi-surface restorations compared to single surface restorations
3. Permanent filling using a dental drill
Unlike in ART, the dentist uses a dental drill to extract all decay from a cavity and change the shape of the cavity so it can hold the permanent filling material firmly. Different filling materials require different shaping procedures. For instance, if bonded filling is being used, your dentist will etch your tooth with an acid gel before the filling is placed.
Pros
- Last an average of 12 years
Cons
- Cases of sensitivity to air pressure, cold, or sweet foods after composite fillings – amalgam is stronger
- Pain after the anaesthetic wears off – if the filling is too high
- Galvaninc shock discomfort when two metals touch (top and bottom)
You may also consider getting custom-made restorations, made from a special mold of your tooth in the lab. The restoration usually takes 2 or more visits, and can be made from gold, metal alloys, porcelain, and/or composite materials.
Should I use a dental repair kit at home?
Emergency dental kits exist for a reason: they can save you when in a dire situation. Although tooth filling kits and other emergency DIY kits are not meant to offer permanent or even long-term solutions, they can be effective in solving an urgent need; helping to relieve any pain, sensitivity, and discomfort until you can see a professional dentist. Additionally, the kits may not be suitable for all types of dental emergencies, so it’s important to consult with a dental professional if you have any questions or concerns.
