Temporary fillings are built to come out. They seal a tooth for the weeks between one stage of treatment and the next, and they are made from softer materials precisely so the dentist can remove them easily later. That is also why they should not be left in place much longer than your dentist intended, even if the tooth feels fine.
A temporary filling is a planned step
Being given a temporary filling does not mean something has gone wrong. It is a normal part of several treatments.
During root canal treatment. When treatment is spread over more than one visit, the tooth is sealed in between to keep saliva and bacteria out of the cleaned canals. A review by Jensen, Abbott and Castro Salgado in the Australian Dental Journal (2007) describes preventing bacteria from getting back into the tooth as one of the main aims of root canal treatment, and explains why a temporary seal is always needed while treatment is under way. If you are still deciding what to do about a painful tooth, our guide to root canal versus extraction sets out the options.
To let a deep cavity settle. When decay reaches close to the nerve, a dentist may place a soothing dressing and wait to see how the tooth responds before choosing the final filling. This is closely related to pulp capping, where the aim is to keep the nerve alive. Lumi uses bioceramic materials, including Biodentine, for pulp protection where they suit the case.
While a lab-made restoration is made. Crowns, inlays and onlays take time to make, so the prepared tooth is protected until the final piece is ready. Lumi has an in-house lab with 3D printing.
As an emergency patch. If a filling falls out or a tooth breaks and a full repair cannot be done straight away, a temporary filling protects the tooth and eases sensitivity in the meantime. Our guide on what to do if a filling falls out covers the first steps.
Softer materials, chosen on purpose
Temporary materials need to be quick to place and easy to remove. Zinc oxide based cements are commonly used and can have a calming effect on an irritated tooth. Glass ionomer is another option; it bonds to tooth structure and releases a small amount of fluoride. Both are less hard-wearing than the composite resin or ceramic used for permanent restorations, which is exactly why they are meant for short-term use.
How long it is meant to last depends on the plan
There is no single lifespan. A temporary between root canal visits, one under a crown preparation and one placed as an emergency patch all have different jobs, and the material, the size of the filling and how hard you bite on that tooth all affect how long it holds. Your dentist will usually tell you when the next appointment should be, and that date matters more than any general figure.
Some temporaries stay intact for longer than intended, but that is not a reason to delay. Over time the material can wear thin, crack or leak at the edges, letting bacteria back in. In a tooth having root canal treatment, that can undo the cleaning already done. Under a crown preparation, the tooth can decay or neighbouring teeth can shift.
Looking after it until your next visit
- Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Our guide to how long dental numbness lasts has more detail.
- Chew on the other side while the temporary is in place.
- Avoid sticky or very hard foods such as gum, toffee, nuts and ice, which can pull out or crack the material.
- Keep brushing the tooth gently so the gum around it stays healthy.
- When flossing next to it, slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling it back up between the teeth.
A temporary can feel slightly rough or soft and may have a distinct taste. Mild sensitivity for a day or two is common.
When to call the practice
Contact your dentist if the temporary falls out, cracks or crumbles, if your bite suddenly feels high on that tooth, or if sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet does not settle. Pain that builds rather than fades, throbbing, swelling or a bad taste can be signs of infection; our article on signs of a tooth abscess explains when that is urgent. For other causes of lingering twinges, see our guide to sensitive teeth. If a temporary comes out, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side and book in to have the tooth resealed rather than leaving it open.
Questions we are often asked
Can I eat normally with a temporary filling?
Mostly, yes, but favour softer foods and the other side of your mouth, and skip anything sticky or very hard.
How soon should the permanent filling or crown go in?
That depends on your treatment plan. Keeping to the timeframe your dentist gives you protects the tooth and avoids repeating work. Regular check-ups and X-rays also help pick up problems while they are small.
Next steps at Lumi
If you have a temporary filling in place, or a tooth that needs sealing, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can plan the next step with you. Read more about general dental care at Lumi or see our offers page.
