Knowing that you need root canal treatment can be a fearful experience; after all, this is one of the most apprehensive dental procedures around. However, root canal treatment is fairly common. Many patients, don’t know is that they will likely need a dental crown after getting root canal treatment.

A dental crown after a root canal provides reinforcement to your tooth and restores its health and functionality. Although adding a dental crown is not necessary after each root canal treatment, all teeth undergone root canal procedures, need kind of  reinforcement. We will explain and clarify in this post, if dental crown is needed after root canal procedure.

 

What & why Root Canal Treatment?

When you have an infected tooth root, you will likely have a toothache that quickly goes from mild to severe. It is this pain that usually brings people to the dentist.

The root canal treatment process is fairly straightforward. After completely numbing the area, your dentist will create a tiny hole in the affected tooth. It is through this hole that we will remove the infected material from the tooth root. The area is then cleaned and rinsed with an antibacterial before being filled to protect it from further infection.

Is a Dental Crown Necessary After a Root Canal?

Studies reveal that a dental crown following a root canal treatment improves the chance of tooth survival. One study recorded a six times higher survival rate for teeth with dental crowns. Another study states that only about one-third of the molars endure without a crown for five years.

Here are some crucial reasons why adding dental crowns after root canal procedures are needed.

·       Restore a Weak Tooth

After removal of the tooth nerve and living tissue from the tooth—which is what happens during a root canal—the remaining tooth structure has a tendency to become brittle. A dental crown, which fits of the affected tooth like a cap, will protect it from fracture. A dental crown will enable your tooth to once again withstand the force of chewing.

Once your tooth has been treated with a root canal and crowned, you can chew with confidence, knowing your restored tooth should last a good long time.

A tooth can turn more fragile after the root canal treatment due to tooth-drilling, cavity or infection. A durable dental crown can protect this tooth and make it long-lasting while preventing any damage.

·       Retain a Natural-Looking Color

Some teeth change color after a root canal treatment. If a tooth appears grayed or deeply stained, a dental crown can offer a more natural appearance and whiter shade to match the remaining teeth.

·       Prevent Infections

The affected tooth surface is at a higher risk of infection and contamination post a root canal therapy. A dental crown will protect the tooth by sealing it off from dangerous leakage to avoid recontamination so that you do not need to undergo a tooth extraction.

·       Provide a Back-Up Security

A tooth that previously had a filling due to extensive decay, chipping or fracture before the root canal treatment, or if it’s under a high masticatory forces, should necessarily be restored with a dental crown.

 

Which Teeth Require Dental Crown Following a Root Canal?

A simple way to find out if you require a tooth crown after root canal is to locate where the affected tooth is in your mouth. You typically need a dental crown after a root canal treatment on your back grinding teeth, molars and premolars. Front teeth, canines, and incisors may not require a dental crown. Your specialist dentist Dr.Miski will decide whether a dental crown after a root canal is needed.

After a root canal therapy, it is vital that you get a dental crown or another form of tooth restoration to maintain the health and longevity of your tooth.

Contact us and have a consultation with Dr.Miski to learn more about dental crown after your root canal treatment.