Root canal therapy is an essential part of good dental health, as it can help save teeth from severe decay. When root canal treatment is complete and the root of the tooth has been sealed, you may wonder if there’s any extra protection you can give your tooth. One option is to get a dental crown.
A dental crown is a “cap” that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. It’s made to look like your natural tooth and can restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns are usually made from metal, porcelain fused to metal or ceramic. In some cases, a root-canal-treated tooth may need a crown for added strength and protection.
In this article, we’ll look at why you might need a dental crown after root canal treatment, the types of crowns available, and how they are placed.
Root canal therapy is an important part of good dental health. After root canal treatment is complete and the root of the tooth has been sealed, you may still want to protect your tooth from further damage or decay. One way to do this is with a dental crown – a “cap” that covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. In this article, we’ll explore why you might need a crown after root canal treatment, the types of crowns available, and how they are placed.
Why You Might Need A Crown After Root Canal Treatment
root canals are used to treat deep cavities or decay that has reached the root of a tooth. During root canal therapy, an endodontist (a root canal specialist) removes the pulp and nerve tissue from inside the root of the tooth and seals off any openings to prevent further infection.
After root canal treatment is finished, your dentist may recommend that you get a crown in order to protect the remaining root structure. This is especially true if the root canal was done on a tooth that has large fillings or existing crowns, as these can weaken the root structure and increase your risk of further decay. A crown will provide additional protection and help support the root-treated tooth.
Types of Crowns
The type of crown you get will depend on a few factors, including the location of the root-treated tooth, your dental needs and budget, and aesthetic preferences.
Metal crowns are the strongest option, as they are made from gold or other alloys. However, metal crowns have a noticeable metallic color that can be off-putting for some people. If you are getting a metal crown, it’s important to be aware that the metal may show through if your gum tissue recedes.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns offer the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. PFM crowns are made from metal with a porcelain coating and are more durable than all-porcelain crowns. They also tend to be more affordable than all-ceramic crowns.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns offer the most natural look and blend in best with your other teeth. These are strong, durable, and stain-resistant. However, all-ceramic crowns are more expensive than other types of crowns.
How Crowns Are Placed
Once you have chosen the type of crown that’s right for you, your dentist will prepare your root-treated tooth for the crown by cleaning it, removing any remaining decay, and reshaping it. They will then take an impression of your root-treated tooth and use it to make a custom-fitted crown.
Your dentist may also place a temporary crown on the root-treated tooth while the permanent crown is being made. The permanent crown will be placed at your next appointment when your root canal treatment is complete. The crown will be fitted and secured to your root-treated tooth, and any excess material will be removed.
Conclusion
A dental crown may be necessary after root canal treatment in order to protect the root structure of the root-treated tooth and prevent further infection or decay. There are different types of crowns available, based on your budget and aesthetic preferences, including metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns. The placement of the crown requires two appointments – one to prepare the root-treated tooth and take an impression, and a second appointment to fit and secure the permanent crown.
FAQs
How long do a root canal and crown procedure take?
The root canal procedure typically takes one or two appointments, while the crown placement usually requires two additional appointments. Depending on your individual situation, it may take up to three weeks for the entire root canal and crown process to be completed.
Is a root canal and crown painful?
The root canal procedure is not typically painful, as the area being treated will already be numb. After the root canal procedure has been completed, you may experience some mild discomfort while the crown is being placed. Your dentist can provide pain medications or other forms of treatment to help minimize any discomfort.
How long do root canal crowns last?
With proper care, root canal crowns can last for many years. It’s important to practice good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings in order to extend the life of your root canal crown.
