A dental crown also referred to as a tooth cap, is a restoration that covers up a natural tooth to help strengthen it. Oftentimes, dental crowns are placed over treated teeth following a root canal procedure. While there are plenty of benefits of using crowns in endodontics (root canal), they are not always necessary. Here’s why:
Why Are Dental Crowns Used After Root Canals?
A root canal involves drilling into the tooth in order to reach the infected dental pulp in the inner layers. Once the infected pulp is removed, the tooth is treated, cleaned and filled however it will not be as strong as a healthy, natural tooth. This is where restorative measures like dental crowns come in.
A dental crown is used following some root canal procedures for the following reasons:
- Improves procedure success rate
The added protection of a dental crown following root canal can increase the chances of the tooth surviving long-term. A study in Journal of Endodontics even found that teeth placed with crowns after a root canal procedure had a massive 90% survival rate! - It strengthens the treated tooth
A previous injury, the removed tissue, or the trauma of drilling can all leave a tooth more fragile after a root canal. Placing a dental crown can provide the strength it needs to last and prevent any future damage. - Prevents infections and further damage
Dental crowns provide an additional layer of protection against infection. This is important as injured teeth are at higher risk of being contaminated again. - Protects from sensitivity
Many patients experience sensitivity to cool and hot temperatures following treatments like root canal. The added protection of a dental crown can help patients with sensitivity. - Maintain a natural appearance
A tooth that is missing dental pulp can look discoloured or grey in colour. A tooth-coloured dental crown helps to restore a whiter shade that matches the surrounding teeth.
When Can You Get A Root Canal Without A Crown?
In some cases, a root canal procedure can be performed without needing a dental crown at the end. This depends entirely on a patient’s individual circumstances such as:
- Affected Tooth Location: Front teeth that undergo root canal are less likely to require a crown. Of course, this depends on the severity of their damage and the complexity of the root canal procedure. Back teeth (molars and premolars), on the other hand, usually require crowns following a root canal.
- Level of Severity or Damage: Severely infected, injured or damaged teeth are much more likely to need a crown following a root canal. This is because they require more excavation and cleaning to remove the damage and will need the extra support of a crown to maintain their structure and appearance afterwards.
- Prior Procedures: If the affected tooth has undergone dental treatments and procedures in the past, it is likely going to need a crown following a root canal.
The only way to know for certain if this is applicable to your case is to consult with a dentist and get a professional evaluation of your affected tooth/teeth.
Learn More About Root Canal Nambour
If you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth and suspect you may need a root canal Nmabour, contact our dentists in Nambour for a check-up and consultation. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible because in the most severe cases of dental damage, a root canal may not be able to save the tooth. Smiles Nambour offers a full range of high-quality dental services including root canal, restorative dentistry, crowns and bridges. If you have any questions about any of the treatments mentioned in this article, ask our friendly team and we’ll be happy to help.