How to Temporarily Replace a Tooth Filling

Fear not. You can temporarily fill a tooth or hold a dislodged crown in place for up to a couple of weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Premixed Temporary Filling Compound
• Advanced First Aid Certification
• Evacuation Plan
• First Aid Books
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Candle Wax
• Sugarless Gum
• Antibacterial Soaps
• Dental Floss
• First Aid Kits
• Latex Gloves
• Oil Of Cloves
• Soft-bristled Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Zinc Oxide Powder
• Dental Exam
• Dental Insurance
• Evacuation Insurance
• First Aid Classes
• Ski Wax
• Water Bottles

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Instructions

• 1

  Look for the early signs of having lost a filling or dislodged a crown: pain when cold air, food, liquids or your tongue touch the tender area.

• 2

  Wash your hands thoroughly with antiseptic soap.

• 3

  Put on latex gloves if you are treating someone other than yourself.

• 4

  Prepare a mixture to use as temporary filling if you do not have a premixed temporary filling compound from your dentist. A standard mixture available with some first aid kits is a mix of zinc oxide powder and oil of cloves, but you can improvise by rolling a ball of sugarless gum, ski wax or candle wax.

• 5

  Rinse the mouth thoroughly with disinfected water.

• 6

  Apply a drop of oil of cloves (also known as "eugenol") to the hole in the mouth. This will reduce the pain.

• 7

  Roll the temporary filling into a small ball and place the ball gently into the exposed area, making certain to cover any exposed tissue.

• 8

  Bite down, lining the tooth up with the tooth above or below it.

• 9

  Wait for the filling to harden if you are using a premixed filling or a mixture of zinc oxide powder and oil of cloves.

• 10

  Evacuate immediately and see a dentist.