Antibacterial sponges for use in endodontic procedures and methods of use

A method for preventing infections during an endodontic procedure comprises removing pulp material from a pulp canal and inserting a temporary antibacterial material, such as a sponge or pellet, into the resulting pulp cavity. The antibacterial material comprises an absorbent material embedded with an antibacterial composition. Optional components that can also be embedded in the antibacterial material include hemostatic agents, colorants, and radiopaque materials. A temporary restoration is applied over the pulp canal and antibacterial material for a desired time period, after which the temporary restoration and antibacterial sponge are removed and a permanent filling is introduced into the root canal and a permanent restoration is attached to the tooth. Because temporary restorations often leak bacteria-laden saliva, the antibacterial sponge prevents infections arising from such bacteria while the temporary restoration is in place.