How long will a temporary tooth filling last?

It depends: The need for a temporary filling may stem from a small chip or a much more substantial loss of part of a tooth, or even from an opening that a dentist may make. There is a very wide choice of materials for temporary fillings. Some are soft and meant to be easily removed. Others may last a very long time (up to or beyond a year). The answer depends on a combination of these factors.

It is a TEMPORARY: While the term temporary means shouldn't last too long I have had patients who have had temps last for months. But you didn't say what kind of temp it is? A paste that was put in your tooth or a temporary crown put on your tooth. Those have lasted for years in some people. Ask the dentist how long you can go so you can save $$ for the "final" restoration.

Short time: Depends on what it is made from and what it is replacing. A small one might last longer than a large one. An acrylic crown temporary is designed for weeks or months, a cavit root canal seal temporary is for days or weeks. Remember it is designed to function only as a temporary, not as a filling or crown. If not replaced with final filling or crown, more fracture of the tooth may occur.

Not long: If there is decay in the tooth, keeping the temporay filling in will lead to root canal or tooth extraction.