A root canal can save a severely damaged tooth. However, a sizable portion of the tooth will likely be gone afterward. The good news is that a restorative dentist can rebuild the treated tooth with a dental crown. While not always a requirement after root canal therapy, these restorations are often the final step in restoring oral health and comfort.
During root canal therapy, the restorative dentist removes inflamed and infected tissue from deep inside the tooth. While the treatment eliminates pain and stops the spread of infection, the tooth may be much smaller and weaker afterward. Unfortunately, a weakened tooth faces a high risk of cracking or breaking when eating. After all, normal biting forces place significant pressure on the teeth.
To avoid these issues, the dentist will assess the strength of the remaining tooth structure after a root canal to determine whether a dental crown could help. These silver, gold, or tooth-colored restorations completely encase the tooth, restoring it to a healthy size and shape.
Here are the most common reasons why a restorative dentist would recommend covering a root canal-treated tooth with a crown:
Root canals are often performed on teeth that play a critical role in daily life, such as molars and premolars. These posterior teeth bear the brunt of grinding and chewing forces. A crown restores the original shape and size of these teeth, allowing patients to chew normally without discomfort. And if appearance is a concern, patients can choose a tooth-colored crown that blends in with nearby teeth.
Protecting the structural integrity of the tooth is only one function of a dental crown. A crown also acts as a barrier against oral bacteria. Although the restorative dentist seals the root canals with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) during the initial procedure, micro-leakage can still occur over time. If bacteria reach the deeper root chambers, a secondary infection may develop.
A permanent crown fits tightly over the tooth at the gumline, creating a durable seal. This seal prevents food particles and bacteria from entering the treated areas. The dentist will take care to ensure that the margins of the crown fit closely against the natural tooth structure to minimize the risk of recurrent decay. Maintaining healthy gums around the restoration further supports this protective barrier.
The process of receiving a dental crown typically requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the restorative dentist prepares the tooth to create space for the restoration. Then, they take impressions or scans, which a dental lab uses to fabricate a custom crown. During the fabrication period, which usually lasts 10 to 14 days, the patient wears a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
At the second appointment, the restorative dentist replaces the temporary crown with the permanent, custom-made one. Patients can go about their day as usual after leaving the dental office. However, the tooth may feel a bit sore or sensitive as it adjusts to the new crown.
A dental crown provides essential protection and support for a tooth after root canal therapy. To learn more about how to rebuild root canal-treated teeth, speak with a restorative dentist. Contact Seville Dental Group today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sevilledentalgroup.com or call Seville Dental Group at (323) 774-1177 for an appointment in our Huntington Park office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentist in Huntington Park, CA.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a smile makeover or a single cosmetic dental treatment is better. A smile makeover includes multiple procedures to improve the overall shape, color, and alignment of a smile in a planned order. However, some individuals may only need one cosmetic dental treatment to achieve their smile goals. The…
Waiting until a toothache or other oral health problem is unbearable to seek care often means missing out on the least painful, most cost-effective treatment. A preventive dentist can both catch and treat issues early. And in the best cases, they can stop them from developing in the first place. With the help of these…
A chipped tooth needs immediate attention to protect the structural integrity of a smile. Fortunately, an emergency dentist can provide this immediate and crucial care to preserve one's oral health and smile. Sudden trauma from sports activities, accidental falls, or biting down on hard foods can cause enamel fractures. When structural damage occurs, seeking a…
Monitoring dental fillings remains vital to maintaining a healthy smile, as these repairs eventually wear down over the years of daily chewing. While a filling protects the tooth for a long time, it is not a permanent fix and often needs to be replaced to prevent further decay. Spotting the early warning signs of a…