Temporary Filling

Tooth Filling

9 December 2024

Temporary Fillings: What They Are and When You Might Need One

If you’ve got a damaged or decayed tooth that needs attention, a temporary filling is a quick way to protect it while you wait for a permanent solution. They’re one of the most common treatments we do at Pearl Dental Clinic, and they’re often placed during emergency appointments to get you out of pain and keep the tooth safe until your next visit.

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What Is a Temporary Filling?

A temporary filling does exactly what the name suggests. It fills and seals a damaged tooth on a short-term basis until a permanent restoration can be placed, such as a white filling, an inlay or onlay, or a dental crown.

They’re also commonly used between appointments during root canal treatment to seal the tooth in between visits.

When Would I Need a Temporary Filling?

There are a few situations where a temporary filling might be used:

You’ve come in as an emergency with a broken tooth or toothache and the tooth needs protecting quickly
You’re partway through treatment like root canal therapy and the tooth needs to be sealed between appointments
You’re waiting for a permanent restoration such as a crown, inlay, or onlay to be made
A tooth has significant decay that needs to be stabilised before a longer-term plan is put in place

What Types of Temporary Filling Are There?

Our dentists will choose the right material depending on the situation. The most common types are:

Zinc oxide and eugenol – often used for emergency fillings. It helps with pain relief and is quick to place, though it’s not as hard-wearing as other options.
Glass ionomer cement – bonds well to the tooth and is more durable. It’s a good option when the filling needs to stay in place for a few weeks.
Composite resin – looks more natural and blends in with the tooth colour. It’s stronger and more aesthetically pleasing, which makes it a good choice for front teeth.

How Is a Temporary Filling Placed?

It’s a straightforward process. One of our dentists will numb the area, clean out any decay or debris from the tooth, and then pack the filling material into the cavity. It’s shaped to fit comfortably and checked against your bite. The whole thing usually takes one appointment.

How Long Does a Temporary Filling Last?

It depends on the material and where it’s placed, but most temporary fillings last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some can hold up for a couple of months if needed, but they’re not designed to be permanent. The idea is to get you booked in for a lasting solution like a white filling or a crown before the temporary one starts to wear down.

Looking After a Temporary Filling

While you’ve got a temporary filling in, it’s worth being a bit careful with it:

Avoid chewing on that side where possible, especially hard or sticky foods
Brush gently around the area
Don’t leave it too long before getting your permanent filling or crown booked in

How Much Does a Temporary Filling Cost?

A temporary filling at Pearl Dental Clinic costs from £100 depending on the complexity. An emergency consultation is £59. A more exact cost for the treatment will be provided after assessment by one of our dentists. You can also view our full fee guide.

Book Your Appointment at Pearl Dental Clinic

If you’ve got a damaged tooth that needs attention, we can help. At Pearl Dental Clinic, we offer emergency appointments 365 days a year, 9am to 10pm. Whether you need a temporary filling to get you out of pain or a permanent solution, our team will talk you through your options and get you sorted.

We invite you to explore our patient reviews online and see why patients have trusted Pearl Dental Clinic with their care since 2007.

To get started, call us on 0208 547 9997, send us a WhatsApp message, or book your appointment online at a time that suits you.

Call us today on 020 8547 9997

Whatever you need, our friendly team is looking forward to hearing from you.

Simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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