Both gutta-percha and silver points can be used as root canal fillings with a high success rate although it is unlikely that either produces a "hermetic" seal. In the cases cited here, the canals remained dry even though they were not obturated for a considerable length of time (in one instance, for two years); this indicates that tissue fluids did not accumulate in the canals. Moreover, my findings indicate that root canal fillings are not necessary for healing. These observations indicate the need for investigation of the validity of the current concept of the role of the root canal filling in treatment.