| Re: Broken tooth need advice Please! The dentist may have mentioned root canal treatment because the decay might have been deep in the tooth and close to the nerve. Whenever root canal treatment is done, the dentist or endodontist will seal the insides of the tooth and then will place a temporary filling on the tooth. After a week to a few weeks after treatment, either a permanent filling or they will begin to prep the tooth for a crown. It's not wise to have a temporary filling in place for 6 months until the insurance kicks in again. Temporary fillings are not designed for prolonged periods of time. |