Survival Homestead

Kathy, Former military Dental Hygienist/Assistant

by Kathy
(Maine)

For temporary fillings we would mix eugenol(clove oil/clove essential oil) and powdered zinc oxide together to form a doughy ball. Then we'd press this into the cavity and compress it with an instrument that tamps it down into the hole. Then the patient bit down to establish his bite before it hardens. The excess was scraped away.
This is temporary but can last an extraordinary long time.

P.S.- If there is an abscess present (you'll see a bubble below the affected tooth on the gum), don't fill the tooth! The abscess bubble must be popped and allowed to drain first.