Procedures
Temporary filling
A temporary filling is a short-term material placed in a tooth to protect it between visits, until a lasting filling or crown can be made.
A dentist may place a temporary filling when a tooth needs more than one visit. It can seal the tooth during a root canal, calm a sensitive tooth, or protect a tooth while a lab makes a crown. The material is softer than a final filling and can wear down or come out. A research review says provisional, temporary, or interim restorations are used during the interval between tooth preparation and placement of the final restoration. So chew gently on that side, and call the office if it falls out, because the open tooth can collect germs. See dental filling for lasting options, or visit our fillings page.