Temporary restoration

{{See also|Dental restoration}}

Temporary restoration is a temporary filling of a prepared tooth until permanent restoration is carried out. It is used to cover the prepared part of the tooth, in order to maintain the occlusal space and the contact points, and insulation of the pulpal tissues and maintenance of the periodontal relationship. Sometimes permanent restoration is not done after tooth preparation; this may be to prepare for indirect restoration such as inlays and onlays.

Temporary fillings are also used for 'stabilization' techniques where many restorations are needed, and the problem may become worse before it can be fully treated – so temporary fillings are placed in order to stop progression.

Although temporary restorations are only meant to be worn for a few weeks, it is important to properly care for them to ensure they stay in place.{{Cite web|title=Why Do I Need a Temporary Restoration?|url=https://chestnutdental.com/blog/why-do-i-need-a-temporary-restoration/|access-date=2025-03-21|work=chestnutdental.com}} As with any restoration, proper oral hygiene is necessary to keep your temporary restoration in good condition.{{Cite web|title=Temporary Tooth Filling: Is It Effective?|url=https://www.flossy.com/blog/temporary-tooth-filling?pseudo_id=(739878884.1741362492)|access-date=2025-03-21|work=www.flossy.com}}{{Cite web|title=Can you get a temporary tooth cap?|url=https://www.bestelectrictoothbrushclub.com/can-you-get-a-temporary-tooth-cap/|access-date=2025-03-21|work=www.bestelectrictoothbrushclub.com}} This means brushing and flossing at least twice a day and rinsing your mouth with fluoride-containing fluids.

It is also important not to chew on hard objects, as this can cause the temporary filling to break or chip off. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods, which can pull the temporary filling off your tooth.{{Cite web|title=Temporary Crown|url=https://exceptionaldentistryca.com/temporary-crown/|access-date=2025-03-21|work=exceptionaldentistryca.com}} In most cases, it is recommended not to chew on the same side as the temporary filling. If a temporary filling has broken or peeled off, it is important to see a dentist to have the problem repaired.{{Cite web|title=Can you temporarily fill your own tooth?|url=https://www.cdhp.org/can-you-temporarily-fill-your-own-tooth/|access-date=2025-03-21|work=www.cdhp.org}} In some cases, a damaged temporary filling may need to be replaced or removed.

There are four different types of temporary materials to choose from: Methacrylate resins, bis-acrylic (composite) resins, pre-formed composite crowns, PMMA disks for CAD/CAM production.{{Cite web|title=Temporary Filling Materials: Types and Benefits|url=https://denpedia.com/temporary-filling-materials-types-and-benefits/|access-date=2025-03-21|work=denpedia.com}}{{Cite web|title=Temporary filling material: description, characteristics and indications for use|url=https://medicinehelpful.com/17165358-temporary-filling-material-description-characteristics-and-indications-for-use|access-date=2025-03-21|work=medicinehelpful.com}} For the latter two options, the range of indications is limited: a prefabricated composite crown is only suitable for single units in the posterior part of the mouth. Making temporary crowns from polymethylmethacrylate disks is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Consequently, this option is only interesting for particularly difficult recovery cases. Thus, for most cases, the choice is between methacrylate and bis-acrylic resins.