What Is a Temporary Dental Restoration?
A temporary dental restoration is a provisional solution placed on a tooth to maintain function and aesthetics while a permanent restoration, such as a crown, bridge, veneer, or inlay is being custom-made in a dental laboratory.
They are typically made from softer materials like acrylic or resin, and are cemented with temporary adhesive, making them easy to remove during your next appointment.
You may receive a temporary restoration:
- After a root canal treatment
- While waiting for a permanent crown, bridge, or veneer
- During multi-stage restorative or cosmetic procedures
- In emergency cases to stabilise a tooth before final treatment
- When a tooth needs time to heal or settle before final work is completed
Why Are Temporary Restorations Necessary?
Although they’re not designed for long-term use, temporary restorations serve several important functions:
To Protect the Tooth
After a tooth is prepared for a crown or undergoes root canal therapy, it’s more vulnerable to sensitivity, fracture, and infection. A temporary cap or filling shields the exposed tooth and pulp tissues from bacteria and temperature changes.
To Maintain Tooth Position and Bite
Teeth naturally shift over time, especially when there’s a gap. A temporary restoration prevents neighbouring or opposing teeth from moving, which is essential for ensuring the proper fit of your permanent restoration.
To Maintain Appearance
If your affected tooth is near the front of your mouth, a temporary restoration helps preserve your smile during treatment—providing confidence in social or professional settings.
To Support Everyday Function
These restorations allow you to speak, chew, and eat more comfortably while waiting for your final restoration. Without one, even daily tasks like sipping tea or brushing your teeth could cause discomfort.
To “Test Drive” the Restoration
In some cases, temporary crowns or bridges are used as a preview to evaluate how a restoration looks, feels, and functions before making the final version. This helps ensure comfort, durability, and aesthetics are all spot on.
Common Types of Temporary Restorations
Depending on your treatment, we may recommend:
- Temporary Crowns – Cover and protect a single tooth until the permanent crown is ready
- Temporary Bridges – Replace one or more missing teeth using neighbouring teeth for support
- Temporary Fillings – Used after emergency procedures or when restoring deep decay in stages
- Temporary Veneers or Inlays – Preserve function and appearance until the lab-fabricated version arrives
Each temporary restoration is custom-shaped and colour-matched as closely as possible to blend with your existing teeth.
How the Procedure Works
The placement of a temporary restoration is usually simple and pain-free:
- Preparation: Your dentist prepares the tooth (removing decay, shaping it for a crown, or performing a root canal).
- Impressions: Impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to the dental lab to fabricate your permanent restoration.
- Temporary Fitting: A provisional restoration is shaped and secured using temporary cement.
- Aftercare Guidance: You’ll be given instructions on how to care for the restoration and when to return for your follow-up.
Your final restoration is usually fitted within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.
Caring for Your Temporary Restoration
Because temporary restorations are made from less durable materials, it’s important to treat them with care to avoid breakage or dislodgement.
Helpful tips:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods (e.g. toffees, gum, crusty bread)
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Brush gently around the area using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss with care—slide the floss out instead of lifting it to avoid pulling the restoration loose
- Don’t use your teeth as tools (e.g. opening packets or bottles)
If your temporary restoration becomes loose or falls out, contact us immediately so we can refit or replace it.
How Long Do Temporary Restorations Last?
Temporary restorations are designed to last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In some complex cases, they may be worn for longer—but they are not a substitute for permanent treatment.
Over time, the material can wear down, discolour, or break, and the seal may weaken, increasing the risk of decay or infection if not replaced.
What If I Don’t Get a Temporary Restoration?
Skipping a temporary restoration or delaying its placement can lead to:
- Tooth sensitivity and pain
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- Tooth movement that affects the fit of your final restoration
- Increased risk of decay or infection
- Fracturing or damage to the exposed tooth
To avoid these complications, it’s best to follow your treatment plan and wear your temporary restoration as directed.
When to Contact Us
While some sensitivity is normal, call us right away if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection
- A restoration that feels loose, cracked, or has fallen out
- Difficulty chewing or closing your mouth properly
We’ll provide prompt care to keep your treatment on track.
In Summary
Temporary dental restorations may not be permanent, but they’re a crucial part of your dental journey. They protect your teeth, preserve function, and ensure your final restoration fits beautifully.
At our clinics, we use high-quality materials and a patient-focused approach to make every step of your treatment smooth and stress-free.
Need a temporary crown, bridge, or filling? Or have questions about an upcoming treatment? Contact us today. We’re here to guide and support you at every stage.