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What to Do If Your Temporary Filling Falls Out After a Root Canal

Temporary filling fell out after root canal treatment
Finishing a root canal and restoring the tooth in a single visit is sometimes possible, but it usually means a very long appointment, which can be tiring for both you and your dentist.

In many cases, though, the root canal anatomy is too complex and difficult, if not impossible, to clean and fill in just one appointment. That's especially the case for back teeth with multiple roots.

That’s why dentists often schedule the treatment into two or more appointments. Between these visits, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling to protect it until the next step.

The thing about temporary fillings is that they aren't strong and can't handle the chewing pressure for long. So, don’t be surprised if they break or fall out completely.

But is it serious? And what should you do if that happens? Rest assured, it’s usually not as bad as it looks, as long as you take the right steps right away.

In this article...


  1. Why Is It Common for a Temporary Filling to Fall Out After a Root Canal?

  2. Why the Final Restoration Should Not Be Delayed

  3. What to Do if Your Temporary Filling Falls Out After a Root Canal

  4. Takeaway

Why Is It Common for a Temporary Filling to Fall Out After a Root Canal?

Temporary fillings placed after a root canal are more brittle and can easily break when you chew on something hard. The longer they stay in your mouth, the more pressure they take, and the more likely they are to wear down or fall out.

As their name suggests, they are meant to stay in place only temporarily for a short time. They don’t bond to the tooth as permanent fillings do.

While this makes them easy for your dentist to remove at your next visit, it also means they can fall out sooner, especially if the tooth is badly damaged.

Now, is it a serious problem?
If you can have the filling replaced by your dentist as soon as possible, it’s usually not a big deal.

However, leaving the tooth exposed for too long can allow bacteria and saliva to enter.

In the image below, you can see a tooth with unfinished root canal treatment and exposed canals. Without a temporary filling to protect it, bacteria can easily enter through these openings and cause a deep infection.
exposed root canals and unfinished treatment

If that happens, the root canal may fail and need to be redone. In the worst-case scenario, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Why the Final Restoration Should Not Be Delayed

Temporary fillings don’t seal or protect the tooth perfectly. Over time, they wear down and develop tiny gaps between the filling and the tooth surface, allowing saliva, food particles, and bacteria to seep inside.

It can take less than two weeks for bacteria to reach the root canals, even with a well-fitting temporary filling. The longer it’s left in place, the worse this leakage becomes.

Some studies found that the longer the final restoration is delayed, the greater the risk of root canal failure and even tooth loss later on.

Now, imagine if the temporary filling has completely fallen out. That’s even worse, as nothing can stop bacteria and saliva from entering the tooth and causing a new infection. That’s why you should see your dentist as soon as possible to have the temporary filling replaced and to keep the tooth protected until it can be permanently restored.

Are temporary fillings a long-term solution?
Not really. They’re meant to stay only for a short period, usually, no longer than one or two weeks. Keeping them longer doesn’t offer any benefit and only increases the risk of leakage and complications, like infections and fractures.

The best way to strengthen the tooth and keep it healthy for as long as possible is to place the final restoration as soon as the root canal treatment is complete.

There are many restoration options depending on how much of the tooth is left. Here are the most common ones:

  • Composite filling: The simplest and most affordable option. A tooth-colored composite material bonds directly to the tooth and rebuilds its shape. This works best when the tooth isn’t too damaged and enough healthy structure remains.
    • Composite restoration before and after
  • Dental crown: The best choice for weaker or more damaged teeth, which is common after a root canal. The crown completely covers the visible part of the tooth, providing strength, protection, and long-term support.

  • Post and crown: Used when most of the tooth above the gum line is missing. It consists of a post that fits inside the root canal and a normal dental crown on top to restore function and appearance.
    • Dental crown vs. Post-and-core Crown

What to Do if Your Temporary Filling Falls Out After a Root Canal

Here are some steps you can take if your filling fell out:

1. Call your dentist right away

Replacing the filling is the most important step. It's the best way to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria, saliva, and food from leaking into the tooth and causing an infection.
Your dentist will likely schedule the nearest appointment, even the same day if possible.

2. Keep your tooth clean

Brush and floss properly to prevent plaque and food from accumulating. An unfilled tooth traps bacteria and debris more easily. So be sure to maintain good oral hygiene while waiting for your appointment.

3. Do saltwater rinses

This helps keep your mouth clean, washes away food debris, and reduces bacterial load. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse several times a day.

4. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth

Until your filling is replaced, avoid chewing on that tooth. Chewing could push food further into the root canals, making it easier for bacteria to spread.

5. Place a cotton ball temporarily

You can place a clean cotton ball over the exposed cavity to protect the tooth and reduce leakage. But don’t sink it too deeply, just rest it gently on the surface. Replace the cotton regularly if it becomes wet or dirty.

Takeaway

It’s too common for a temporary filling to fall out between root canal appointments. It’s not a big deal as long as you see your dentist within a few days to have it replaced.

However, leaving the tooth exposed for a long time can allow bacteria to enter, which may lead to complications like infection and treatment failure.

Temporary fillings aren’t meant to last more than a few weeks. Once your root canal treatment is complete, the tooth needs a permanent restoration. Only the final restoration provides the seal and protection the tooth needs to stay healthy and function properly.