Broken or chipped tooth? Did a crown fall out? There are a wide variety of dental products on the market that can provide a temporary solution until the proper care is received. The purpose of these products is to buy some time for people who won’t be able to get to a professional in the immediate future, although some users have used them successfully for up to several months. This article will help you to understand the products available, their usage, reliability in real life, and their limitations.
Dental wax for a broken or chipped tooth
You’ve managed to chip your tooth. If it’s a tiny chip, you may not need to do anything as long as it’s not cutting or irritating the inside of your mouth. For larger chips, it’s recommended that you save the chipped portion and bring it to the dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the chip moist. If the tooth is irritating the inside of your mouth, you can use orthodontic wax to alleviate the issue.
What is dental wax used for:
To protect tongue, gums, and cheek from:
- Rough surfaces caused by breakage and the chipping of a tooth
- Sharp edges of braces
How to use dental wax for a broken or chipped tooth:
- Rinse your mouth out with a warm salt water solution. This works as an antiseptic and to get rid of any tiny shards. Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt for every 8oz of water.
- Gently brush your teeth.
- Take a small amount of dental or paraffin wax, and mold it into small round shape.
- Apply it over the sharp area or region of discomfort and make sure that surface of tooth or brace wire is fully covered. Remove any excess.
- Press into place until it sticks.
Limitations:
- It will likely come off over time, so you man need to reapply until you can get to the dentist. Don’t worry, the wax is non-toxic if you happen to swallow a small amount.
- This is a temporary measure, so be sure to see a professional as soon as possible.
- Don’t expect it to match your teeth.
If you’re looking for a dental wax option, you should try GUM Orthodontic Wax.
For more information on what you should do if you’ve chipped a tooth see How Can I Fix a Chipped or Broken Tooth at Home.
Temporary Filling Kits: Methods of replacing a filling or crown at home
There are several reasons why you may want to replace a filling or crown at home. Perhaps it’s the weekend and you don’t want to go to the dentist on an emergency basis. Or perhaps the dentist can’t see you for several days. During Covid-19 lockdowns, many people were stuck with no other options and had to take repair into their own hands. Unfortunately, there is no real way to permanently replace a filling or crown at home, but there are several products on the market that can at least provide relief until professional care is received.
Dentek Temparin Max
Dentek states that Temparin Max uses the same ingredients that dentists use. It’s a putty-like substance that can be easily molded to fit in any crack or crevice. It’s a temporary remedy meant to replace a lost filling, cap, crown, or inlay until you have a chance to visit your dentist and should only be removed by a dental professional. Visit the dentist within 48 hours of use.
Dentemp
Dentemp Loose Cap and Lost Filling Repair is specially formulated to temporarily repair loose caps and crowns and replace lost fillings while providing instant pain relief. It is easy to use, and the formula is safe and strong, so you can eat on it in just 2 hours. Like Dentek, it is an easily moldable putty-like material.
Dentek vs Dentemp
Dentek and Dentemp are both very similar products, and either one is recommended for fixing lost fillings or resetting crowns. Both have their share of bad reviews consisting of claims that it doesn’t stick well or that it’s not lasting as long as it should. However, the overall consensus is that both products are a good choice and some of these issues may be associated with user error.
There are a few differences to note: people have described Dentek as having a strong taste. Other people claim that Dentemp is not as good for securing crowns. At the end of the day, I would recommend DenTek Temparin Max.
How to remove a store bought temporary filling
It’s not recommended that you remove Dentek Temparin Max, Dentemp, or any temporary filling yourself. It should only be removed by a dental professional during your next visit, and in some cases, they may need to drill to remove it. It’s recommended that you see a dentist within 48 hours of using the product.
Your temporary filling will break down over time, but this leaves the tooth cavity exposed to anything you eat or drink, and worse, to bacteria that may lead to an infection. If you continue to add layers as the product deteriorates, there is potential for the need for additional dental work.
What to do if Dentek Temparin Max is swallowed?
You’ve accidentally swallowed a piece. Now what? Don’t worry about it! It will pass safely and shouldn’t be an issue. Both Dentek and Dentemp are non-toxic.
Dentek Temparin side effects.
Dentek Temparin Max doesn’t have any direct side effects. It does, however, contain eugenol which is extracted from clove oil. Eugenol does have some reported cases of allergic reactions, so be aware of any symptoms that align with an allergic reaction.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/4801539
You should always read the package of the product you’re using. For example the packaging for Dentek Temporin Max also states the following:
Caution: To avoid infection and/or serious injury, this product should not be used if there is throbbing pain, ulceration, or swelling in the affected area. If any of these symptoms exist, consult your dentist immediately. This product should not be placed on open wounds. Do not use if allergic to Eugenol.
Dentemp also contains Eugenol, so the same warnings apply.
I reached out to Dentek to get their response, and a customer service representative had this to say:
“The products use is only validated for 48 hour, temporary use and we recommend that the patient sees there dentist within 48 hours. The effects of using the product for longer than 48 hours are unknown. It is unlikely there will be negative effects associated with the product being used for a time longer than the 48 hours stated, however we cannot recommend it.”
Limitations of at home tooth repair products
- These are temporary remedies until professional care can be received.
- The color of the temporary product won’t match your teeth. This helps the dentist to locate it when the time comes to remove it, but may be noticeable in the meantime.
- Products may contain eugenol which some people may be allergic to.
- They cannot be used in areas of bleeding, swelling, ulceration, or severe pain.
- Home tooth repair products are not meant to be removed at home and should be removed by a dentist.
- It is not suggested that a person eat or chew on the side of the mouth that the product was applied. Pressure is not recommended.
What’s your experience with any of these products? Let us know in the comments below.
