Temporary Dental Fillings 

A temporary filling is just that, a temporary solution to fix or restore a tooth that has been impacted by dental decay (cavities). Although fillings are usually permanent, we initially treat tooth decay with a temporary filling to provide pain relief until your next dental appointment. As temporary fillings are not meant to last, you will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the temporary filling replaced with a permanent one.

Temporary fillings are also made of a softer material that is easier to remove once you are ready to receive your permanent filling. Permanent fillings often match your natural tooth color whereas temporary fillings usually have a different color. This allows your dentist to easily locate the filling when replacing it with a permanent one. A temporary filling may be bright white, whitish gray, or white with a blue or pinkish hue.

Because temporary fillings are made of a different material compared to permanent fillings, they gradually break down over time because of the softer material, and they can crack and fall out if not replaced within a few weeks. The exact life of a temporary filling can vary from patient to patient and the material used. Temporary fillings are also not as durable as permanent fillings, so you will need to take care of the filling to ensure it remains in your tooth until you return to your dentist. We will provide you with instructions to protect your new temporary filling, but to start, you will need to avoid eating on that side of your mouth that has the filling, just for a few hours, as it takes time for a temporary filling to completely dry and set. You may also be asked to avoid hard foods such as candy, nuts, and ice as these can cause the material to break or fall out. To avoid the filling from falling out, you will need to brush and floss carefully. Instead of pulling up when you remove the floss from the affected tooth, gently pull the floss out to the side to prevent it from catching on the temporary filling and pulling it out. Also, be sure to keep your tongue away from the filling as much as possible. Constantly touching the filling with your tongue can cause it to loosen.

The process of getting a temporary filling tends to be quicker than getting a permanent filling, sometimes taking less than 30-minutes. If you are having tooth pain and think you may be having a dental emergency, please call our office so we can perform an exam and see if you are an ideal candidate for a temporary filling.