Whether a root canal treatment and a filling can be done on the same day depends on the condition of the tooth: if there is no infection, abscess or persistent pain, and the canals can be cleaned and filled in one session, the filling can also be done on the same day. If inflammation continues inside the canal or the tooth has lost a large amount of structure, the treatment is divided into several sessions and a temporary filling is placed in between. The decision is made by the dentist according to the examination and X-ray findings.
In which cases can it be done on the same day?
For it to be done on the same day, the cleaning of the canal must be completed in a single session. It is generally possible in the following cases:
- No obvious abscess or facial swelling around the tooth
- The canals are open, straight and can be cleaned
- The tooth contains enough sound tissue to carry the permanent filling
- The patient is able to stay for the treatment time and the session goes smoothly
You can read step by step how a root canal treatment proceeds in our article how is root canal treatment done.
When is it not suitable to do it on the same day?
If there is infection, pus or constant leakage inside the canal, the canal is disinfected over several sessions and medication may be placed inside between sessions. If the canals are very curved or blocked, the time is longer and a single session may not be enough. If most of the tooth has been lost to decay, a filling alone is not enough and the dentist first plans for the loss of structure.
How long does a temporary filling last?
A temporary filling is placed to keep the canal closed until the permanent restoration is made, and it can be damaged by hard foods. How long it lasts depends on the material and the chewing load; for this reason you should not miss the appointment given by the dentist. If the filling falls out or breaks, the canal can become contaminated again. For this reason, a patient who comes with a temporary filling should be told which foods to avoid, within how many days to return for a check and in which cases to call straight away; questions can be asked without hesitation.
Is a crown necessary after root canal treatment?
Because a tooth that has had root canal treatment can become brittle over time, a crown is often recommended, especially for molars. For front teeth and teeth with sound tissue, a composite filling may be enough. You can read about the difference between a filling and root canal treatment in the article differences between root canal treatment and a filling.
When is a post (screw) placed in the tooth?
If most of the crown of the tooth has been lost, a post can be placed inside the canal to strengthen the structure that will hold the filling or crown. A post is not placed in every root canal treatment; the dentist decides on this only when not enough tissue is left in the tooth.
What should you do if the filling or crown falls out?
If a filling or crown has fallen out, do not chew on the tooth, keep the area clean and see the dentist without losing time. Keeping the piece that fell out and bringing it to the appointment can help. For care of fillings, you can look at the article what should be considered after a tooth filling.
What does the dentist base the decision on?
Although same-day treatment is practical for some patients, it is not the right option for every tooth; rushing and sealing an incompletely cleaned canal can lead to the treatment having to be repeated later. The dentist looks at the X-ray of the tooth, the signs of infection, the structure of the canal and the remaining tooth tissue, and decides whether to proceed on the same day or in stages. For your situation, you can request an appointment through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Are root canal treatment and a filling done on the same day?
Yes, if there is no infection and the canal can be cleaned in a single session; otherwise it is divided into several sessions.
Is a crown necessary after root canal treatment?
It is recommended especially for molars; if the tooth tissue is sound, a filling may be enough.
Is a screw placed in the tooth during root canal treatment?
A post is placed only when the tooth tissue has decreased greatly, to carry the filling or crown.
What should be done if the filling falls out after root canal treatment?
Do not chew on the tooth and see the dentist without delay.
