Many times if a tooth has extensive decay approaching the pulp (nerve), we will choose to place a medicated filling in the tooth. This serves to soothe the pulp and provide an adequate temporary restoration. If the tooth "flares up" or continues to have painful symptoms, this is usually an indication that the pulp has become inflamed or infected and the tooth will require Root Canal Therapy to restore it. If the tooth is asymptomatic or has only mild sensitivity immediately after the sedative filling has been placed, this is an indication that the medicated/sedative filling has taken care of the problem. In this case, a permanent restoration (filling) is done approximately one month after the sedative filling is placed.