When it comes to dental treatments, one of the most common procedures is a root canal. Deep cavities...
When it comes to dental treatments, one of the most common procedures is a root canal. Deep cavities, cracks, or trauma can damage the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, making root canal therapy necessary. But many patients wonder: what exactly is placed inside the tooth after a root canal? Let’s take a closer look at the materials used and the process that keeps the tooth healthy for years to come.
A root canal is performed to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected. During the procedure, the pulp tissue is removed, the canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
The main goals of a root canal are:
Eliminate infection
Preserve the natural tooth
Relieve pain
Maintain aesthetics and functionality
However, cleaning the canals is not enough on its own. The empty space inside the tooth must be filled with special materials to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
After the pulp is removed, the root canals are filled with root canal filling materials. The most commonly used material is gutta-percha, a natural rubber-like substance. Gutta-percha is biocompatible, durable, and adapts well to the shape of the canal, making it the gold standard in endodontics.
In addition to gutta-percha, root canal sealers (cement-like materials) are also used. These sealers help the gutta-percha adhere tightly to the canal walls and fill in any microscopic gaps.
Gutta-percha: The most widely accepted standard material.
MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate): Often used in cases involving root tip treatments.
Calcium hydroxide-based sealers: Provide antibacterial protection.
Resilon: A polymer-based alternative to gutta-percha.
The choice of material depends on the tooth’s condition and the dentist’s clinical decision.
The filling stage is one of the most critical steps of root canal therapy. After the canals are cleaned and shaped, the process continues as follows:
Drying the canals: Moisture must be eliminated.
Applying sealer: A thin layer of root canal cement is applied.
Placing gutta-percha: Inserted using either lateral condensation or single-cone techniques.
Sealing the canals: Ensuring no leakage is possible.
Final restoration: The crown portion of the tooth is restored with filling or a crown.
Patients often ask whether they will only get a filling or need a crown after root canal therapy. The answer depends on the extent of damage.
Small cavities: Composite fillings may be enough.
Significant loss of tooth structure: Porcelain inlays/onlays or full crowns are recommended.
Back teeth (molars): Due to heavy chewing forces, crowns are often the best option.
In short, the restoration method is chosen based on how much natural tooth structure remains.
If the canals are left empty:
Bacteria can re-enter and reinfect the tooth.
The tooth becomes weak and more prone to fractures.
The treatment will likely fail.
That’s why a well-sealed root canal filling is crucial for long-term success.
Even after the filling is placed, patients need to take some precautions:
Avoid chewing hard foods for the first 24 hours
Maintain good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing
Visit the dentist for routine check-ups
Do not delay crown placement if advised
In rare cases, root canal therapy may fail, and infection can return. If that happens:
The root canal can be retreated
Apical surgery (root-end surgery) may be required
If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction might be necessary
Success largely depends on how well the canals are cleaned and sealed with the proper material.
After a root canal, the empty space inside the tooth is filled with gutta-percha and special sealers. This filling prevents bacteria from leaking back into the canals and helps keep the tooth healthy for many years. But the treatment doesn’t stop there — the final restoration with a filling or crown is equally important. With the right filling material and proper crown coverage, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
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