Do You Need a Crown After Root Canal Treatment?

Are you preparing yourself for your upcoming root canal treatment? Good idea. When you are ready, the entire root canal process is one that will be much simpler for you. Since one of your teeth is in jeopardy, it is vital for you to take any measures so that you can save the tooth. Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is always recommended, as teeth were indeed meant to last you your entire lifetime.

Root Canal Procedure

When a root canal procedure is performed, an experienced dentist in Salem, MA will thoroughly clean out the pulp chamber in the tooth. The pulp chamber contains all of the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves, and when the pulp is jeopardized or infected, it needs to be removed so that it does not cause any further damage to the patient.

Once all of the pulp is removed, the dentist will then disinfect the tooth, so there is no worry about any further damage to the tooth, as well as any further damage to the patient's overall health. The tooth is then filled with a unique dental material that seals the tooth, preventing anything from getting inside.

Why getting a dental crown after a root canal is a good idea

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, our dentist in Salem, MA will recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown is needed after a root canal:

1. When the tooth becomes weakened

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.

2. When the tooth becomes sensitive

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.

3. When the tooth becomes discolored

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.

4. When a tooth has been restored before

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.

When is it OK to leave the tooth without a dental crown?

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.

CAN WE ANSWER YOUR ROOT CANAL OR CROWN QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about your upcoming root canal treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 855-745-0055 today to reach Elena Siniaver, D.M.D.