How Long Do Temporary Tooth Fillings Last? Care Until Your Next Visit

How long do temporary tooth fillings last? Usually a few weeks to a few months. They are designed to break down gradually, so the permanent filling or crown should go in on the schedule your dentist sets.

Healthline puts the typical range at a few weeks to a few months, and Colgate notes that temporary fillings may be needed for several weeks or more.

A temporary filling is a placeholder, not a cheaper version of a regular filling. Knowing why you have one, and how to protect it, helps you avoid an extra emergency visit before your next appointment.

Why would a dentist place a temporary filling?

Colgate and Healthline describe several common reasons:

• Emergency relief when a cavity causes sharp pain and there is no time for a permanent filling.
• Waiting for a crown, to protect the tooth until the crown is ready.
• Between root canal visits, to seal the tooth and keep out food and bacteria. Cleveland Clinic notes that a root canal may need more than one visit before the crown is placed.
• Calming a sensitive nerve with a medicated temporary filling before the permanent one goes in.
• Spreading out larger treatment over several weeks.

What are temporary fillings made of?

Healthline lists materials such as zinc oxide eugenol, Cavit, zinc phosphate cement, glass ionomers and intermediate restorative materials. They are often a slightly different color from your teeth so your dentist can find them later. Because they are softer than permanent materials, Colgate warns they can crack and fall out if not replaced.

Temporary vs permanent fillings: how do they compare?

Feature	Temporary filling	Permanent filling
Purpose	Short-term seal until the next step	Long-term repair of the tooth
Typical lifespan	A few weeks to a few months (Healthline)	Some materials up to 20 years (Cleveland Clinic)
Materials	Soft cements and glass ionomers	Amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, gold or porcelain
Chewing	Avoid chewing hard foods on that side	Normal chewing once settled

How do you make a temporary filling last until your appointment?

1. Wait for numbness to wear off before eating so you don't bite your tongue or cheek, as Colgate advises.
2. Follow any setting time. Some temporary fillings need you to avoid chewing on that side for hours or up to 24 hours.
3. Skip hard and sticky foods. Colgate names hard candy, ice and nuts, plus gum, toffee and peanut butter.
4. Brush gently with a soft or extra-soft brush.
5. Floss carefully. Both Colgate and Healthline suggest pulling floss out sideways rather than lifting it up, so it doesn't catch the filling.
6. Leave it alone. Healthline notes that constant tongue contact can loosen it.

What happens if you don't go back for the permanent filling?

Healthline explains that the temporary material gradually breaks down and exposes the cavity, and that bacteria entering the hole can cause an infection. If you're worried about the cost of the next step, it's better to raise it with your dentist than to let the temporary filling wear away. Our guides on dental treatment costs and on how dental plans pay for fillings can help you plan.

What should you do if it falls out?

Colgate advises contacting your dentist right away if a temporary filling falls out or seems damaged, so it can be repaired or replaced before complications develop. In the meantime, keep the area clean, chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods that might trigger sensitivity.

Sources

• Colgate, Caring for Your Temporary Dental Filling
• Healthline, Temporary Filling: Durability, Care Instructions, Procedure
• Cleveland Clinic, Dental Fillings
• Cleveland Clinic, Root Canal

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist. Ask your dentist how long your temporary filling is meant to last.