You shouldn't expect to spend too much time in the dentist's chair when you need a root canal. However, a root canal can take more than one visit to finalize. After the initial appointment, during which your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp inside your tooth, a temporary filling will be applied. But why can't your dentist simply add a permanent filling after that first visit in order to finish the job?

Removal of Dental Pulp

Root canals are about the removal of dental pulp that is inflamed and dying (or already dead). This removal will take place during your first appointment. The pulp chamber is now empty. Depending on the extent of the infection, your dentist might place slow-release antibacterial medication inside the tooth to assist the healing process. A temporary filling is generally applied at this time.

A Temporary Seal

The temporary filling is not as robust as a permanent filling. It simply seals the tooth to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from entering the pulp chamber while the site heals. It also allows your dentist to easily access the pulp chamber for the final stage of the process. Does a temporary filling require special care?

Some Precautions

You can clean your tooth and its temporary feeling much like you would any other tooth, but with a few added precautions. You must take care not to clean it too vigorously, as this may breach (or even dislodge) the temporary filling. The tooth can be rather sensitive in the days after your first root canal appointment, so it will feel appropriate to be gentle with the tooth. You may wish to temporarily switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush for added protection. 

Filling the Pulp Chamber

At your follow-up appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary filling. They will then irrigate the empty pulp chamber and may apply an additional antibacterial treatment. The pulp chamber is now ready to be filled, and gutta-percha (a type of latex) is the preferred filling material. 

A Permanent Seal

Once the pulp chamber has been filled, your dentist can add a permanent filling. This is intended to be long-lasting, but depending on the integrity of the tooth's structure, a filling might be insufficient to ensure the ongoing stability of the tooth. Some patients might require a permanent filling and a dental crown fitted over the tooth for maximum strength.

Your dentist will give you precise care instructions for your temporary filling, but the main takeaway is that you must remember that it's not as strong as a permanent filling, and must be treated with care.