HOSA Dental Terminology Practice 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

A sedative filling is specifically designed to help relieve pain, particularly in cases where the tooth is inflamed or has pulp exposure. These fillings contain materials, such as eugenol, which possess analgesic and sedative properties. By soothing the inflamed nerve tissues within the tooth, a sedative filling can temporarily alleviate discomfort until a more permanent solution can be implemented, such as a comprehensive filling or root canal treatment.

In contrast, a permanent filling is aimed at restoring a tooth's structure and function after decay has been removed, but it does not have the specific properties to address pain relief. A crown restoration involves covering and protecting a damaged tooth but is more focused on strength and aesthetics rather than immediate pain relief. An implant serves to replace a missing tooth and is not designed to relieve pain in existing teeth. Thus, the primary role of a sedative filling is to manage pain while other treatments are planned or implemented.