Is a Dental Crown Necessary After Root Canal Procedure?

Root canal therapy can save a tooth from decay; however, it can also weaken the tooth. A dental crown helps solidify the tooth and maintain its integrity after being damaged by either trauma or tooth decay. When the pulp inside the tooth is no longer living or infected, it can be treated through a root canal by cleaning out the pulp and applying a filling to replace it.

However, the dentist will have to drill through the tooth to remove the infected materials during the root canal procedure. And because the root canal removes the inside pulp, the tooth can no longer function as a living thing. Over time, the tooth can become loose and ends up fracturing.

So, if your tooth needs a root canal, it most likely had a large cavity that extended to the pulp chamber. Therefore, it will be necessary to complete the treatment with a dental crown to ensure that the tooth will not eventually break. Read on to know some other factors that can determine whether a dental crown is necessary after a root canal procedure.

• Bruxism

Patients who grind and clench their teeth will certainly need a dental crown after a root canal procedure. A root canal tends to weaken the tooth and immense pressure put on may be harmful. Teeth grinding can weaken healthy teeth, you can imagine what this act can do to a freshly operated tooth.

• Prevent Reinfection of Tooth

After the root canal procedure, your affected tooth is at a higher risk of infection and contamination. Dental crowns not only offer aesthetic appeal but also play an important role in preventing your tooth from reinfection by sealing it off from leakages. According to the Australian Dental Association, a root canal infection can be caused by various factors such as a crack in a tooth or repeated tooth decay treatments.

• Oral Health

The level of damage or decay that led to root canal procedure is a significant consideration with dental crown placement. If the tooth decay or fracture was minor, it could have been filled in with resin rather than needing a full dental crown. On the other hand, if a patient has good oral health and the teeth on either side of the affected tooth are structurally good, then a dental crown is not always necessary.

• Maintain the Shape of the Tooth

In most cases, a tooth recommended for a root canal was extensively decayed. Therefore, the dentist will have to remove caries for treatment purposes, which ends up losing the tooth structure. So, to maintain the basic shape of the tooth, a dental crown will be necessary after a root canal.

• Protect from Tooth Sensitivity

As the local anesthesia wears off after the procedure, you may experience some mild pain and tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity can sometimes become very uncomfortable, which is another reason you may need to cover your tooth with a dental crown after a root canal treatment.

Bottom Line

There is nothing to worry about if you need a dental crown after a root canal procedure. Feel free to visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic or schedule an appointment and let us put your mind at ease. That way, you can enjoy your beautiful smile once again. Root canal Springvale with our well-trained and experienced dentist is unmatched. Make an appointment with us today!