Root canal procedure is often preferred by dentists to repair and save an infected or damaged tooth. The dentist removes the inflamed tooth pulp during this procedure, then cleans and disinfects the tooth’s inside surfaces, and finally restores the tooth.
What Is a Root Canal Crown?
Crowns are caps used to cover a tooth to give it strength and stability after a root canal procedure. The dentist removes a small portion of the outer surface and fits the crown tightly over the healthy tooth structure.
There are five typical types of crowns today: gold, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, and E-max crowns. Your specific situation and your budget determine your choice.
A root canal procedure can be intimidating to a patient, and adding a crown to the equation may cause patients even more concern – but it doesn’t have to!
This guide will look at the benefits of a root canal crown and why your procedure might call for one. Keep reading to understand root canal crowns, their health benefits, and their disadvantages.
Reasons to Get a Root Canal Crown
Fixing crowns after a root canal procedure is necessary for many reasons. The following are five important reasons you should get crowns after a root canal.
1. Restore a Weak Tooth
A root canal procedure can be invasive and extensive, and the procedure may not leave that area with much in the way of healthy tooth structure. This is often because the dentist needs to create a relatively large hole to remove infected debris and clean the area.
The hole weakens the tooth, putting it at higher risk of fracturing when chewing and grinding. A hole in your teeth is not also good for your aesthetics.
A root canal crown is therefore necessary to reinforce the damaged outer tooth structure. The crown gets affixed to the tooth and becomes a part of it, restoring the tooth’s function, strength, shape, alignment, and appearance.
2. Protect Your Teeth from Sensitivity
It’s common to have a sensitive tooth after a root canal treatment. Studies reveal that about 10% of patients may experience tooth sensitivity after a dental procedure. This sensitivity after a root canal procedure is primarily caused from the remaining parts of the tooth.
The dentist generally needs to remove only part of the pulp during the root canal procedure, leaving a bigger part untouched. These remaining parts then develop sensitivity to heat, cold, sugar, pressure, and acid. Teeth sensitivity causes pain and discomfort and can even prevent you from eating. A dental crown helps cover your tooth and protect it from external sensitivity triggers.
3. Regain Your Natural-Looking, Beautiful Smile
There are various ways a root canal procedure may affect your bright, natural smile, which is another reason a root canal crown is a good idea.
The good news is that crowns are custom-made, therefore providing a more natural hue to resemble the remaining teeth. The knowledge and experitise of your dentist is vital for the best results.
Few people will distinguish the crown from the rest of your teeth when your dentist places it over your original tooth. A crown cannot be affected by bacteria and therefore doesn’t decay, helping your smile to stay whiter for longer.
4. Protect Your Teeth from Infections
A root canal treatment exposes your tooth to infections, and without a crown, your enamel may continue to decay, especially at the edges. This could lead to cavities and recontamination, commonly referred to as a failed root canal procedure.
A root canal crown works as a shield that protects the tooth from infections and recontamination, saving you from the hassle of tooth extraction surgery. A delay in wearing a crown after a root canal treatment increases the chances of infection development.
5. Root Canal Crowns Act as Security Backup for Your Tooth
Crowns help your tooth to remain healthy, functional, and less painful even when chewing after a root canal procedure. Root canal crowns are especially vital if your tooth was damaged during the procedure.
The crown holds the fragmented pieces together to prevent further destruction. Dental crowns, therefore, provide a security backup for your tooth.
Crowns are indeed beneficial after a root canal procedure, as we’ve seen here. They help restore a damaged tooth, protect your tooth against sensitivity and infections, and reestablish the tooth’s overall function. There are clearly many dental health benefits, but root canal crowns also come with some disadvantages.
Cons of Root Canal Crowns
Dental crowns, like other dental procedures, do have some disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages of dental root canal crowns:
Nerve Damage Risk
Root canal crowns can cause nerve damage if a tooth is crowned too thin. Your dentist should thoroughly check and be very careful while applying a crown to avoid nerve removal surgery.
Sensitivity
Crowns wear on other teeth, leading to sensitivity. Notify your dentist if there’s any discomfort or pain for further check.
Potential Dental Problems
Crowns not placed properly may lead to other problems like decay, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or allergic reactions. Poorly affixed crowns may also become loose and fall out. Be sure to visit your dentist if you realize something wrong with the crowns.
These problems, thankfully, are rare and avoidable. All it takes the experience and expertise of your dentist.
Avoid Another Dental Procedure – Work with The Dental Team
Getting a root canal crown is extremely beneficial to your dental health.
We operate throughout Ontario to help you maintain oral health and a beautiful smile. Contact The Dental Team today if you live near the Brampton, Milton, Maple, or Mississauga areas and get help with root canal crowning today.
