A temporary dental filling is a short-term restorative material placed in a prepared tooth cavity to seal and protect it until a permanent solution can be completed. These restorations serve as a placeholder in the overall treatment plan. They are intentionally made from softer materials than permanent fillings, allowing for easy removal by the dentist during the subsequent appointment. This barrier maintains the integrity of the tooth structure while the patient awaits the final, durable restoration.
Why Dentists Use Temporary Fillings
Dentists use temporary fillings for several clinical purposes, primarily centered on protecting the tooth and allowing time for necessary processes. One common use is to protect the pulp, the soft tissue containing the nerves and blood vessels, after deep decay has been removed. Placing a temporary filling with a medicated material, such as zinc oxide eugenol, allows the tooth to settle and the nerve to recover before a permanent restoration is placed.
Another reason involves multi-stage treatments like a root canal procedure, where the temporary material seals the tooth between appointments. This seal prevents bacteria, saliva, and food debris from contaminating the internal tooth structure after the infected pulp has been cleaned out. A temporary filling is also placed when the final restoration is an indirect one, such as an inlay, onlay, or crown, which must be fabricated in a dental laboratory. It protects the prepared tooth structure and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting while the custom-made cap is being created.
How Long Temporary Fillings Usually Last
The lifespan of a temporary filling is limited and determined by its intended purpose and the material used. These restorations are designed to last anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks, though some stronger intermediate restorative materials (IRM) can last up to a few months. Your dentist will provide a specific expected timeline, generally timed to coincide with your follow-up appointment.
Material selection plays a large role in the expected duration. Softer materials like zinc oxide eugenol are easier to remove but may only last one to four weeks. In contrast, materials like glass ionomer cement are often chosen for their greater durability and ability to release fluoride, extending their service time.
Location in the mouth also influences longevity, as a temporary filling on a heavily used molar will endure greater chewing forces than one on a front tooth, making it more susceptible to premature wear. Temporary fillings are intentionally made of materials that gradually degrade due to constant exposure to saliva and the stress of chewing. Patients should avoid chewing sticky, hard, or crunchy foods on the side of the mouth with the restoration to maintain the filling’s integrity.
What to Do If Your Temporary Filling Falls Out
If you notice a sudden change in the tooth’s surface—such as a rough edge, a hole, or increased sensitivity—it indicates the temporary filling has cracked, dissolved, or fallen out. This loss exposes the underlying tooth structure, which may include the dentin or the prepared chamber of a root canal-treated tooth. The immediate and most important action is to contact your dental office to schedule a prompt appointment for assessment and replacement.
Leaving the tooth unprotected carries significant risks, as the absence of the seal allows oral bacteria and food debris to enter the prepared cavity. This contamination can lead to renewed decay, infection, or necessitate more invasive procedures, such as a root canal or tooth extraction. If the lost filling was placed following a root canal, the exposed area is particularly susceptible to re-infection, making immediate attention pressing.
While waiting for your dental appointment, you can take steps to protect the sensitive area and minimize discomfort. Rinsing the mouth gently with warm salt water helps keep the exposed area clean and reduces the risk of localized infection. You should avoid chewing anything on that side of the mouth to prevent further damage to the exposed tooth walls. For short-term relief, you may use dental wax or an over-the-counter temporary filling repair kit to cover the hole until you can be seen by the dentist.