How Long Does a Temporary Filling Last? A Two Rocks Guide

If your dentist has just popped a temporary filling into your tooth, you're probably wondering how long it needs to hold on for. It's a fair question. Temporary fillings feel different to your normal teeth, and nobody wants a surprise halfway through a sandwich. At Two Rocks Dental Care we place temporary fillings fairly often, usually as a step on the way to a permanent fix, so we thought it was worth explaining exactly how they work.

How long does a temporary filling last?

Most temporary fillings are only ever meant to last a short while. Temporary fillings usually last a few weeks to a few months, depending on the material and how you care for them. Some softer materials may only hold for a couple of weeks, while a slightly tougher material might get you through a couple of months without trouble.

There's no single number that applies to everyone. It really depends - the duration will vary from person to person, and the type of material used to make your temporary filling may affect its shelf life, but in general, they can last from a few weeks to a few months. The exact timeframe for your tooth will depend on where it is in your mouth, what it's protecting, and how gently you treat it in the meantime.

The most useful answer is always the one your own dentist gives you, because they know exactly which material they used and why. If we place a temporary filling for you, we'll let you know roughly how long it should hold and when we want to see you back to finish the job.

Why we use a temporary filling in the first place

A temporary filling isn't a shortcut or a cheaper option. It's a deliberate, short-term seal that protects your tooth while something else is being sorted out. There are two situations where you'll come across them most often.

How long does a temporary filling last after a root canal?

Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from deep inside the tooth, called the pulp. Once that's done, the inside of the tooth needs to be sealed off so bacteria and food can't get back in while you wait for your final restoration, which is often a crown. A temporary filling does this job between appointments.

If your root canal treatment is being done over more than one visit, the temporary filling only needs to last until your next appointment, which is usually a short gap. Once the root canal is finished, we'll talk to you about the best long-term option for that tooth. You can read more about the process on our root canal therapy page.

How long does a temporary filling last before a crown?

A crown is a cap that covers a tooth that's been weakened by a large filling, a crack or heavy decay. Crowns usually need to be custom-made, so there's a waiting period between your tooth being prepared and the crown being ready to fit. A temporary filling, or sometimes a temporary crown, protects the tooth and keeps it comfortable during that gap.

This waiting period is generally a matter of weeks rather than months. Your temporary restoration is designed to see you through to that follow-up visit, not to become a permanent fixture.

Looking after your temporary filling

A temporary filling is softer than a permanent one, so it needs a bit of extra care while it's doing its job. A few simple habits make a real difference to how long it lasts.

• Chew on the other side of your mouth where you can, especially for the first day or two.
• Steer clear of sticky foods like chewy lollies or caramel, which can pull a soft filling straight out.
• Avoid very hard foods such as nuts, ice or crusty bread on that tooth.
• Brush gently around the area rather than scrubbing hard.
• Be careful with floss near the filling, sliding it out sideways rather than pulling it straight up.

It's also worth keeping an eye out for any new sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods around a temporary filling. A bit of mild sensitivity can be normal, but if you'd like some background on why teeth sometimes feel sensitive after a filling, it's covered in more detail in our other blog post on tooth sensitivity after a filling.

What to do if your temporary filling comes out

It happens more often than people expect, and it isn't something to panic about. If your temporary filling falls out or breaks, here's what we suggest.

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clear away any debris.
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you're seen.
• Keep any piece of the filling that came out, just in case it's useful.
• Call us so we can get you booked in. The tooth underneath is exposed once the filling is gone, so it's worth having it looked at rather than leaving it.

If you're uncomfortable in the meantime, follow the directions on the pack for any over-the-counter pain relief, or ask your pharmacist what's suitable for you. If you ever develop spreading facial swelling, a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that won't stop, that needs urgent attention at a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a regular appointment.

Getting your permanent filling sorted

A temporary filling is only ever meant to be a stopping point. Once we've worked out what your tooth needs, whether that's a standard filling, a crown, or finishing off root canal treatment, we'll talk you through the options with their pros and cons so you can make the choice that suits you. You can see more about how we approach fillings on our fillings page.

We also give every patient a written quote with item numbers before any treatment goes ahead, so you can check it against your health fund if you have one. Two Rocks Dental Care is a preferred provider for HBF, HCF and nib, which generally means a smaller gap for you, though it's never free or no-gap, and we can process your claim on the spot with HICAPS. If you're new to the practice, our new patients page has everything you need to get set up with us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat normally with a temporary filling?

You can eat, but it's best to chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid hard or sticky foods on that tooth. This gives the temporary filling the best chance of staying in place until your next appointment.

Is it an emergency if my temporary filling falls out?

Usually not, but it's still worth getting it looked at fairly soon. The tooth underneath is exposed once the filling is gone, so it can pick up decay or sensitivity if it's left too long.

Does getting a temporary filling hurt?

Placing a temporary filling is usually a quick, straightforward step. Some people feel mild sensitivity in the area afterwards, which is common and usually settles down.

What happens if I leave my temporary filling in too long?

Temporary materials aren't built for long-term wear, so they can wear down, crack or come loose the longer they're left. It's best to stick to the timeframe your dentist gives you and come back for your permanent restoration when it's ready.

Will my temporary filling look different to my other teeth?

It might. Temporary filling material is sometimes a slightly different shade so your dentist can easily spot it and remove it cleanly when it's time for your permanent filling or crown.

A temporary filling is doing an important job, even though it's only meant to stick around for a short while. If yours is due for a check, has come loose, or you'd simply like to get your permanent filling or crown booked in, give Two Rocks Dental Care a call on (08) 9502 9040 or choose a time online that suits you.