Dental Filling After a Root Canal

A root canal therapy is a great intervention for decayed, fractured, or infected teeth. The dentist will create an access hole in the tooth by drilling into it to eliminate the infected nerve and the pulp. Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, the dentist will seal it. However, there are instances when a dental filling is required before placing a final dental restoration. Such fillings are meant to be temporary, but they do have their benefits.

The Need for a Dental Filling After a Root Canal

There are scenarios where temporary measures might be preferred over more permanent ones. For example, when dealing with a root canal, a dentist might prefer to avoid placing a permanent restoration on the tooth immediately. This measure will enable the dental professional to ensure that the tooth is completely free of infection.

A dental filling for the root canal can also help manage pain and sensitivity. For instance, a temporary filling may help alleviate the pain in case of a toothache by keeping food and bacteria out of the affected tooth. The sealing protects the pulp from bacteria that may otherwise cause an infection and preserves the root canal. As long as the dental filling is in place, the tooth may continue to function until it is strong enough to withstand stress on its own.

Root canal dental fillings are also recommended if the tooth needs to fully heal following the first treatment and before the next dental procedure. Dentists use temporary fillings when dental issues require more than one appointment for treatment. The canal must not be left uncovered after dental surgery.

Caring for a Dental Filling

Patients who have temporary fillings placed in their teeth after a root canal should exercise caution. It takes time for a temporary filling to dry and set. To protect the temporary filling, avoid eating anything excessively hard, crunchy, hot, or cold, and avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. The dentist will provide detailed instructions to follow regarding the root canal dental filling.

Since a temporary filling will not last as long as a permanent one, patients will need to take special care of their teeth until their next dental appointment. It is possible to shatter or lose a temporary filling by chewing hard things like sweets, nuts, or ice. It is essential to take extra care while brushing and flossing around the filling. To avoid removing the temporary filling and the damaged tooth, carefully draw the floss out to the side when removing it from the treated tooth.

It is also advisable to keep the tongue from touching the filling as much as possible. Otherwise, it will eventually loosen. After a few weeks, the patient will return to the dental office to have the dental filling removed and to get a permanent restoration.

Book an Appointment

Root canal dental fillings are used for various reasons during the operation. Contact the dental office if you have additional questions or to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Root Canal in Tucson, AZ.