The most commonly encounter dental concern in dental offices is tooth pain associated with severely decayed teeth. When a tooth is severely decay or infect, a root canal is often necessary to remove the damage pulp and save the tooth. However, many people don’t realize the procedure isn’t complete without a crown after root canal treatment. A root canal crown plays a vital role in restoring function, strength, and longevity to the treated tooth.
This blog explains how a root canal and crown work together to restore your tooth, why a crown is necessary, and what you should know about post-treatment care.
Table of Contents
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a specialized procedure for removing the infected or inflamed pulp of decayed teeth. Pulp is a soft tissue that contains the blood vessels and nerves. It becomes infected because of bacterial invasion or trauma, resulting in pain and sensitivity to hot and cold food.
If the treatment is delay, it can cause severe infection with swelling and abscess formation. Root canal therapy relieves the symptoms and prevents the spread of infection to adjacent areas. The treatment involves the following steps:
- Examination: A comprehensive diagnosis and examination using radiographs identifies the extent of decay, providing an insight into the condition of the crown and roots.
- Removal of Infected Pulp: After numbing the area around the affected teeth, the dentist removes the infected pulp from the tooth with endodontic instruments.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: The pulp is remove, follow by cleaning and disinfection of the canal to remove debris and bacterial residue.
- Filling of Root Canal: A root canal is sealed with a biocompatible gutta-percha material once cleaned and shaped.
Do you Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
A crown is necessary after root canal treatment because a tooth that has undergone a root canal is structurally weaker than a healthy tooth.
Since the infected pulp and nerve have been remove, the tooth can become brittle and more prone to fractures. A dental crown is a protective cap that restores the tooth’s function and prevents further damage.
It is necessary for the following reasons:
- Strength and Support: Crowns encase the weak tooth from all surfaces, reinforcing it and allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces.
- Restore Function: Root canal crowns enable the individual to chew without pain and discomfort. Crowns after a root canal allow the patient to function effectively and consume food without dietary restrictions.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns also enhance the individual’s aesthetic appearance. Available in a range of color shades, root canal crowns can be match to the natural teeth to blend seamlessly.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last Without a Crown?
Crowns are always recommend for endodontically treat teeth; however, it is not mandatory to always get a crown after a root canal. Root canal-treated teeth can last long with proper care and maintenance. Factors that can affect the durability of the treatment are:
- Material of Restoration: High-quality filling materials available in modern dentistry provide good strength to the crown and increase the lifespan of the teeth without the crown. Composite resin, silver amalgam, and reinforced GIC are dental filling materials that withstand high forces.
- Location of the Tooth: Teeth in posterior areas endure higher chewing forces than teeth in the front tooth region. These teeth require crown placement to prevent breakage and damage to the remaining tooth structure.
- Extent of Decay: Timely treatment plays a vital role in deciding whether the crown is need. The crown is a must if the cavity is deep and the structure lost is quite extensive.
How Much is a Root Canal and Crown?
Costs depend on the case’s complexity and the material choice. Based on the tooth, the costs of a root canal may vary. Several factors affect the cost of the procedure:
- Location: Teeth in the front tooth region cost less than teeth in the back tooth region because of multiple roots.
- The Extent of decay: Greater decay leads to more significant destruction of the tooth structure. Such teeth might require more extensive treatments and more than usual visits. This can increase the cost of the treatment.
- Choice of Material: The material chosen for crown and filling determines the final cost.
- Dental Practice: The costs for treatment vary according to geographical location as well.
How a Root Canal and Crown Work Together
Step 1: The Root Canal Procedure
- A dentist removes the infected pulp inside the tooth.
- The inside of the tooth is clean and disinfect.
- The empty canals are stuff with a bio-compatible material to seal the space.
Step 2: Crown Placement
- After the root canal, the dentist prepares the tooth for a crown.
- A custom dental crown is creats to fit perfectly over the treated tooth.
- The crown is permanently cement in place, thus restoring the tooth’s function.
Together, the root canal and crown ensure that your tooth remains functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing for years.
Benefits of the Root Canal and Dental Crown:
The combination of these two treatments offers several advantages:
- Saving the tooth by preserving its natural structure eliminates the need for extraction.
- Crowns provide long-lasting protection, and the treatment success is prolong.
- Addressing the dental concern in time prevents further damage to surrounding structures.
Conclusion:
Root canals and crowns work hand-in-hand to save and restore teeth that would otherwise be lost. While a root canal eliminates pain and infection, the crown provides significant strength and protection to keep the tooth functional for years.
At Anoka Dental, we specialize in root canal therapy and custom dental crowns to ensure long-lasting tooth restoration. Our team is dedicate to providing pain-free, high-quality dental care to keep your smile healthy.
Contact our dentists in Anoka, MN, or call (763) 421-4002
You can also visit 12 Bridge Square #106, MN 55303, and explore options to achieve a healthier and more confident smile.
