How long have your temporary fillings lasted!

[nellypope]

It's unbelievable the discrepancies that the dentist and Internet peddle! I've had a temporary filling in a top molar since January. Due to the fact I'm Pregnant and I need a root canal it has to stay put till Feb (according to my dentist). I also need 3 cavities filling which again my dentist proposes to use temporary fillings until the baby is born in Feb after which they can use amalgam. So tell me why the Internet (using reliable sites such as Bupa, Colgate and NHS direct) say even the strongest temp fillings only lady 3 months! Why on earth would my dentist suggest them given my timescale?

[boxtops]

3 months might be the recommended period, but I've had temps in the past which have lasted much longer than that.

[Halifaxmum]

MONEY!!!

[boxtops]

I'd agree, halifaxmum, except nelly's pregnant so wouldn't have to pay... and permanents cost a lot more than temporaries.

[Halifaxmum]

yes box, but the dentist can claim more back from the NHS if they do more work!

[nellypope]

I was reading last night that some people have have their temp fillings for years!! Now I would much rather have permaments but I just can't believe that the dentist expects mine to last over a year when research says otherwise! Do you think it is all about the money? Interestingly the dentist who put the temp in was a private one? (he said I had to go back for RCT in 3 months) and my new dentist is NHS? ..... mmmm !

[J9PUR]

A 'temporary filling' is a very vague term.

They can be constructed from many different materials, with varying properties. In terms of their longevity, this can range from a few hours to years. I cannot see any reason why these wew sites are quoting 3 months as a maximum.

The primary aim of a temporary 'filling' is to stabilise the tooth until a definitive restoration can be placed.

It is generally considered good practice to delay all non-urgent treatment during pregnancy, and to postpone it until after delivery.

[JustJenni]

I had a temporary filling when i was younger as my tooth has rotted so far down my dentist didnt want to do a root canal on me as im terrfied of needles, and it had taken so much effort and time just to get this one in, he told me as long as it wasnt bothering me he'd leave them temp in as long as i wanted, i only had it replaced last year as i broke it on a toffee and then had a full root canal. I had it at least 8-9 years

[nellypope]

Thanks to everyone! Phew! I feel a lot better about the idea of the temp I already have. Yes the dentist wants to leave the RCT till after delivery but is willing to treat a couple of the cavities. Glad that other peeps have had temp fillings for longer than the "recommended time limit" . . . doesn't feel quite so much as if I have a ticking time bomb in my mouth ;-)