What is the term for dental material used temporarily until a permanent restoration is performed?

The term that refers to dental material used temporarily until a permanent restoration is performed is "temporary." Temporary materials are specifically designed for short-term use in dental procedures, providing a functional solution while allowing for the necessary healing or additional treatments to take place before a permanent restoration is applied. They are typically used in scenarios such as after a tooth cavity has been filled or following a crown preparation, where a permanent restoration is planned but not yet placed.

In comparison, permanent materials are intended for long-term use in restorations and cannot be easily removed or replaced. Composite refers to a type of material that can be used for both temporary and permanent restorations, but it is not exclusively temporary. Impression materials are used to create molds of teeth and gums, which assist in the fabrication of permanent restorations but do not directly serve as interim solutions. Thus, "temporary" accurately reflects the nature and purpose of the materials used in these scenarios.