Typically when you hear of someone getting a root canal, the next step is a crown. For a root canal, the dentist first makes a small hole on the surface of the tooth. They then remove all the damaged pulp before cleaning the inner tooth to remove any remaining debris. Finally, the dentist seals the tooth with a filling or some other dental restoration; a crown, maybe.
A root canal may save a tooth from further infection, but it does not save the tooth from weakening. Coupled with tooth decay, a root canal procedure weakens the tooth by reducing the amount of healthy tissue within it.
To stop the tooth from disintegrating, a dentist will recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown is needed after a root canal:
Tooth decay as well as having a large amount of dental tissue removed during a root canal weakens a tooth. Combined, decay and a root canal will leave the tooth at risk of crumbling when subjected to the pressure of chewing and grinding.
A crown will cover the tooth, reinforce its outer structure and keep it from crumbling.
Sometimes, only part of the pulp needs to be removed during a root canal. Whatever remains may be extremely sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, acid and sugar. Fitting a crown covers the tooth and protects it from the elements.
Tooth decay or a root canal may cause the tooth to become discolored. In such a case, a crown should be placed for cosmetic reasons.
If a root canal is performed on a tooth that had already been treated for tooth decay, then chances are high that the tooth will have another issue in the future. Placing a crown covers the tooth completely and will prevent future infections from occurring.
Because crowns are meant to protect the tooth from falling apart when subjected to the pressure of grinding, they are necessary for the restoration of the back teeth. The front teeth are not put under as much pressure as the molars. After a root canal, they can simply be restored with dental filling and left without a crown. However, if the front tooth has been discolored by decay, then a crown should be fitted for cosmetic purposes.
If the tooth is in good condition after a root canal, the dentist may opt to fill it and leave it be, especially if it is a front tooth. In almost all cases, the dentist will recommend that a crown be placed on a molar whose dental pulp has been removed. Depending on the situation of your tooth, the dentist will come up with a good and permanent solution. However, If you have had the tooth restored before, then it is advised that you get a dental crown.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges.
Curious about whether you need a dental crown after a root canal? Read on to learn more. Many patients believe that a root canal is a painful procedure and therefore avoid it. In cases of seriously damaged or infected teeth, root canals are the last resort to prevent an extraction. After the root canal treatment,…
It is possible to use dental crowns to restore teeth that have become damaged beyond repair, whether due to decay or trauma. A dentist may recommend this common type of treatment for a tooth that is: Seriously chipped Severely cracked or broken Weakened from numerous cavities or fillingsWhile the tooth can have extensive damage, it…
Dental crowns protect teeth, and patients should not experience any complications such as increased teeth sensitivity or gum pain while wearing them. If dental crown issues develop, then patients are encouraged to contact the dentist as soon as possible to schedule a visit and have the issue properly examined and treated.Although dental crown issues are…
Dental crowns are dental restorations that cover teeth entirely for added protection, improved function, and cosmetic purposes. Dental crowns are versatile treatment solutions, and there are many reasons that a dentist may recommend this treatment for patients.The most common reasons that dentists recommend a dental crown are to protect a tooth that is weakened or…