Dental Crown Placement After a Root Canal

Hearing that you need a root canal may not be welcome news, but you can handle this procedure. Despite what you may have heard, there is minimal pain and discomfort during the process. Plus, the recovery period is usually quick. Along with cleaning out your tooth, you will likely get a crown over it. There are a few reasons why this occurs. It is helpful to understand the function this cap serves after a root canal.

The purpose of a root canal

This common procedure is necessary when a tooth has become severely decayed or infected. Without this treatment, the tooth could abscess, and infection could spread throughout the mouth and into other parts of the body. The dentist removes the pulp, which contains vessels and nerves. After cleaning out the tooth, the dentist disinfects the area and then seals it. This helps to prevent further problems and reduces the risk of cavities and infections in the tooth.

What the crown does

Sometimes known as a cap, the crown goes over a tooth, protecting it and stabilizing it. The crown is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. The dentist can make the crown to be the same color as the surrounding teeth so that it will not stand out. Some crowns are made of metal. Though these are more noticeable, they are often more durable and long-lasting. A crown looks like a natural tooth and allows the patient to retain full biting and chewing capabilities with it.

Placing the crown

After finishing the root canal, the dentist may place a temporary crown over the tooth. In this case, the patient would return to the office in a few weeks for a permanent one. Other dentists begin preparing the crown before the root canal procedure so that it is ready for the patient. To put the crown over the tooth, the dentist must first take X-rays and make impressions of the patient’s mouth. This ensures that the crown will fit. When the patient is ready to receive it, the dentist shaves the tooth and cements the crown in place.

Caring for the crown

Though crowns can withstand a lot of force, patients should be cautious about what they eat. The dentist may advise the person to avoid hard foods after the root canal. This may be necessary for the long term in order to protect the crown as well. Daily brushing and flossing are still critical. These activities will help the crown last longer and work effectively. At each dental checkup, the dentist will examine the crown to make sure it still fits properly and is in good condition.

Benefits of having a dental crown after a root canal treatment

Root canal treatment can help extend the life of one’s tooth. Removing the infected pulp tends to weaken the dental structure. That is why the dentist will suggest a dental crown for the treated tooth. Here are the benefits of having a crown after a root canal treatment:

• It helps the tooth look healthy again. Root canal therapy can change a tooth’s color. The treated tooth can look grayed or even stained. This can make the tooth stand out from the rest of the natural teeth. Placing a crown over the treated tooth can renew its appearance. The dentist can match the color of the crown to the color of the surrounding teeth. This will make it difficult for anyone to tell which tooth had root canal treatment.
• It can protect the tooth from sensitivity. The treated tooth will be weaker and more sensitive to temperature and touch. This can be uncomfortable. That is why the dentist will place a crown over the treated tooth.
• It can restore a tooth with severe damage. Root canal therapy can make the tooth more brittle, especially with such severe damage. It will need some level of strengthening after this treatment. A dental crown can provide the support the dental structure needs. It can restore the broken tooth and extend its functionality.
• It can protect the tooth from more damage and infection. A treated tooth is a weakened tooth. Dental crowns can shield the tooth from future damage and infection.

An important step in the process

When you get a root canal, cleaning the tooth and removing the decay are not the only parts of the procedure. You will also need a crown over the repaired tooth. This protects the tooth and reduces the risk of you damaging it further. The dentist will explain how this works and will answer any questions you have. This crown should last for several years.

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