WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF A TEMPORARY FILLING?? A temporary filling is a stop-gap measure your dentist may use to save a tooth. If the removal of tooth decay has exposed and compromised the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth, your dentist may opt to employ a temporary filling. This process is sometimes referred to as "indirect capping." A temporary filling gives the opportunity for a wall of tooth structure to grow between the pulp and the decayed area, and for the pulp to heal. After an appropriate time, the dentist can remove the temporary filling and take an x-ray, if necessary, to see if the pulp has healed. If that's the case, the dentist can clean out any remaining decay and put in a permaent filling. If the pulp damage is too severe, you may need a root canal. This is a procedure normally performed by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. The endodontist will remove the pulp, clean out the interior of the tooth, and fill it. In the worst cases, if the decay and damage to the pulp is extreme, the tooth may have to go. A root canal is also an expensive procedure. The best way to avoid the eventualities described above is to maintain a good regimen of home care, brushing and flossing, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL2045213 WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF A TEMPORARY FILLING ?? A temporary filling is a stop - gap measure your dentist may use to save a tooth . If the removal of tooth decay has exposed and compromised the pulp , or nerve , of the tooth , your dentist may opt to employ a temporary filling . This process is sometimes referred to as " indirect capping . " A temporary filling gives the opportunity for a wall of tooth structure to grow between the pulp and the decayed area , and for the pulp to heal . After an appropriate time , the dentist can remove the temporary filling and take an x - ray , if necessary , to see if the pulp has healed . If that's the case , the dentist can clean out any remaining decay and put in a permaent filling . If the pulp damage is too severe , you may need a root canal . This is a procedure normally performed by an endodontist , a dentist who specializes in root canals . The endodontist will remove the pulp , clean out the interior of the tooth , and fill it . In the worst cases , if the decay and damage to the pulp is extreme , the tooth may have to go . A root canal is also an expensive procedure . The best way to avoid the eventualities described above is to maintain a good regimen of home care , brushing and flossing , and visiting your dentist at least twice a year . Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM - CL2045213