Temporary fillings are used to fill a cavity that is not too deep and is intended to be removed in the future. These fillings are typically made of a dental material that can be easily removed, such as zinc oxide eugenol or glass ionomer cement. If you have a cavity that causes immediate pain and discomfort, a dentist may do a temporary filling to alleviate the pain until a more permanent solution is completed.
The majority of fillings are permanent fillings. They are more durable and can last up to 10 - 15 years. Permanent fillings are typically made of more durable materials, such as composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Permanent fillings are used when a more secure filling is necessary or when there is no need to replace or remove the filling in the future.