A post obturation restoration is required following a root canal treatment to seal the root canals and prevent leakage of oral fluids into the treated root canal system. Failing to do this may cause re-infection and failure of root canal treatment. The temporary filling is replaced with a post obturation restoration. The restorative materials used for this is either a Composite Resin or Glass Ionomer Cement (Type 9).
Composite Resin cement is the most ideal restorative material following a root canal treatment. It has high compressive strength, prevents micro leakage from the sides of the cavities and mechanically bonds to the tooth structure. It is non soluble in the saliva and hence a preferred restorative material where extensive build ups of the crown structure is required post root canal treatment.
Glass Ionomer Cement may be used in cases with minimal tooth structure loss. However, its physical properties are inferior to Composite resin material.