How I deal with a busted tooth until I can see the dentist

Honestly though, I’d skip the temp fillings unless you’re desperate. Had one set so hard once, I thought I’d accidentally installed a pebble in my molar... not a vibe.

I hear you on the pebble feeling, but weirdly, temp fillings actually saved me when I chipped a molar right before a wedding. The wax kept vanishing like Houdini every time I tried to eat, but the temp stuff (the kind you mush in yourself) did the trick for a few days. It set up pretty firm, but honestly, I’d take that over chewing on my own nerves. Guess it’s a gamble which vibe you get...

the wax kept vanishing like Houdini every time I tried to eat, but the temp stuff (the kind you mush in yourself) did the trick for a few days.

Yeah, I know that disappearing wax struggle... tried it once and it was gone before I even finished my sandwich. The temp filling kits from the drugstore have saved me a couple times though. Not perfect, but way better than having air hit that nerve. Honestly, I’d rather deal with the “pebble” than random sharp pain every time I drink something cold. Temporary solutions aren’t pretty, but they can be a real lifesaver in a pinch.

Honestly, I’d rather deal with the “pebble” than random sharp pain every time I drink something cold.

Oh man, that “pebble” feeling - couldn’t have said it better. I once tried to use a bit of bread as a makeshift barrier when I ran out of wax. Didn’t last long, but it gave me just enough time to finish my soup without wincing. Those temp kits are a godsend, even if half the time I end up gluing my tongue to my tooth for a second. At this point, I’d take a little inconvenience over that ice pick feeling any day.

That “pebble” sensation drives me up the wall, but I get what you mean about the sharp pain being worse. I remember once using a bit of chewed-up gum to cover a chipped molar - definitely not dentist-approved, but it took the edge off for a couple hours. The temp filling kits are a real lifesaver, even if they taste kind of weird and never seem to stay put as long as I’d like.

I’ve also found that sipping lukewarm drinks helps until I can get to the dentist. Cold water is just brutal when you’ve got an exposed nerve. It’s funny how you start getting creative with whatever’s in the kitchen drawer or medicine cabinet... I’ve tried cotton balls, too, though those just end up soggy and useless.

Anyway, I’d rather deal with a bit of discomfort than that stabbing pain every time I eat or drink. It’s not ideal, but sometimes you just have to make do until you can get a proper fix.

Honestly, I get super anxious just thinking about trying to patch up a busted tooth myself, but I totally get why you’d do it. That sharp pain is just... next level. I’ve tried the temp filling kits too, and yeah, they’re not exactly gourmet, but when you’re desperate, you’ll try anything. I once tried using a bit of wax from a babybel cheese wrapper (I know, not my proudest moment), but it actually dulled the edge for a while.

Lukewarm drinks are definitely the way to go. Anything too hot or cold feels like an electric shock straight to your brain. I do get a little worried about using things like chewed gum or random stuff from the kitchen - sometimes I wonder if it could make things worse or trap bacteria, but in the moment, you just want relief.

You’re right though - sometimes you just have to do what you can to get through until the dentist can see you. It’s not ideal, but it’s survival mode. Just hoping you get that appointment soon and don’t have to MacGyver it much longer.