How long does a temporary filling last? What to do if it falls out and whether you can eat on it
A temporary filling protects a tooth for a short time until the permanent treatment and is usually designed to last from a few days to a few weeks. It is used between root canal appointments, while watching how the nerve responds after deep decay, or while a permanent filling or crown is being made. Some wear of the surface is normal; if it falls out completely or the tooth starts to hurt, contact the clinic within a few days, or, for a tooth in the middle of root canal treatment, the same or next day if possible.
Why are temporary fillings used?
- Between root canal visits: It protects the medicine placed in the canals and keeps saliva out of them. See root canal treatment.
- For deep decay: If decay has come very close to the nerve, the dentist may wait for a while to see whether the nerve settles.
- While a crown or onlay is made: It covers the tooth between the impression and fitting the permanent piece.
- In an emergency: It can be placed at the first visit to ease pain and seal the tooth.
How long does a temporary filling last?
Temporary filling materials are made to be easy to remove, so they aren’t as strong as permanent fillings. They generally do their job for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some materials last longer, but what really counts is the time your dentist gives you.
If a temporary filling is left too long, it can start to leak at the edges, the tooth can crack or new decay can develop underneath. In a tooth having root canal treatment, this can mean the cleaned canals become reinfected. So try not to postpone your follow-up appointment; we explain why the permanent restoration matters in do you need a crown after a root canal.
When can you eat after a temporary filling?
Some temporary filling materials set with moisture in the mouth. That’s why you’re usually asked not to eat for at least an hour, or for as long as your dentist says. If you’re still numb, it’s also wise to wait until the numbness wears off so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue; see how long dental numbness lasts.
| Food / habit | With a temporary filling |
|---|---|
| Soft meals, soup, yoghurt | Fine; chew on the other side if you can |
| Chewing gum, Turkish delight, toffee, fruit leather | Avoid; they can pull the filling out |
| Nuts, hard crusts, ice | Avoid; they can break the filling and the tooth |
| Very hot or very cold drinks | May cause sensitivity; choose lukewarm |
| Brushing | Brush as usual, gently over the area |
| Flossing | Floss, but pull the floss out sideways instead of lifting it up |
What’s normal and what isn’t
- Normal: The surface wearing down or getting lower, a slightly rough feel, mild sensitivity for the first day or two, a clove-like taste with some materials.
- Call the clinic: The filling falling out completely, a clear feeling of a hole in the tooth, pain on biting because the filling is too high.
- Get seen the same or next day: Throbbing pain, swelling of the gum or face, fever. See dental abscess and can a toothache cause a fever.
What to do if your temporary filling falls out
- Don’t panic; it’s usually not an emergency.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and gently brush the tooth to clear food debris.
- Don’t chew on that side; keep away from sugary and sticky foods.
- Call the clinic. In a tooth having root canal treatment, the filling should be replaced the same or next day if possible; otherwise an appointment within a few days is enough.
- Temporary filling kits sold in pharmacies can bridge a day or two until you see the dentist, but they don’t replace the material your dentist places.
We cover what to do when a permanent filling or crown comes out in my filling fell out or my crown came off.
Temporary fillings at Dent32 in Beylikdüzü
When we place a temporary filling, we plan the permanent treatment and give you the appointment the same day. As the clinic is open seven days a week, a temporary filling that comes out can usually be replaced quickly.
Dent32 is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does a temporary filling last?
It’s usually made to last from a few days to a few weeks. What counts is the time your dentist gives you; don’t delay the permanent treatment beyond it.
When can I eat after a temporary filling?
Usually after at least an hour, or as long as your dentist says. If you’re still numb, it’s safer to wait until the numbness wears off.
My temporary filling has worn down. Is that normal?
Some wear of the surface is normal. If the filling falls out completely, you feel a clear hole in the tooth or pain starts, call the clinic.
Will my tooth be harmed if the temporary filling falls out?
If it’s replaced quickly, there’s usually no problem. In a tooth having root canal treatment it should be replaced the same or next day if possible, so the canals aren’t exposed to saliva.
Can I chew gum with a temporary filling?
No. Gum and sticky foods can pull a temporary filling out.
