Hesperian Health Guides
Two Kinds of Fillings
A cement filling is a temporary filling meant to last only for a few months. It helps the person feel more comfortable until it is possible to get a permanent filling.
Replace a temporary filling with a permanent filling as soon as possible.
This chapter shows how to place cement fillings first, and then explains how to place permanent fillings using ART. It does not explain how to use a dental drill because most readers do not have the expensive equipment needed. Remember that many people can benefit from the extra time that a temporary filling gives them before they get a permanent filling.
A cement filling is often the first step to saving a tooth.