During root canal treatments, a dental crown represents the last step for the exterior protection of the tooth. Still, many people doubt their importance, and especially after such a procedure, the last thing you need to hear is that you need one.
The simplest answer is yes, you do need a dental crown after root canal therapy. The whole structure of your tooth is weakened after the procedure, and you need something to hold this integrity together. But before we look at other factors that necessitate getting a dental crown, let’s understand the basics of a root canal treatment.
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What is Root Canal Treatment?
Sometimes, when tooth decay progresses and is left untreated for a considerable amount of time, you could get what is called pulpitis – an infection of the pulp. The American Association of Endodontists identifies a chip or crack in a tooth or repeated deep decay oral procedures as other causes of pulp infection. And when this occurs, you are required to undergo a root canal treatment to save your tooth.
Endodontic therapy refers to a dental procedure meant to treat an infection at the center of a tooth. When you choose to undergo the therapy, part of your tooth that is infected, or the inflamed part, is removed and the area inside your tooth is sterilized, closed, and filled.
An infected tooth can be quite painful, but after this endodontic treatment, you will be relieved of the pain entirely. Since the infected pulp nourishing your tooth is removed, having a dental crown can help strengthen it.
Reasons that Necessitate a Crown After a Root Canal Procedure
Helps restore a broken tooth
Usually, after root canal therapy, the strength of your tooth weakens. As such, you need something that can help strengthen it. This is why a dentist will recommend a dental crown, although it is not entirely a must. After the procedure, your dentist may choose to protect the broken tooth with a crown to help it heal faster and restore the appearance and functionality. The crown will cover the broken tooth and protect it from further damage.
Helps guard against tooth sensitivity
During a root canal procedure, an anesthetic is used to relieve pain. Usually, when this drug wears off, you are bound to experience some tooth sensitivity alongside mild pain. This pain, however, is from the procedure and isn’t a result of the infected pulp like before.
The procedure, although temporarily, will leave some of the nerves in your teeth more sensitive to both heat and cold. This can get very uncomfortable and is one of the reasons why a crown is necessary.
Helps your teeth maintain a natural look
Dental crowns are designed to have an appearance like your teeth, and after an endodontic procedure, if you need to bring back that smile, it can help you restore it. This is because some teeth may change color after the therapy. In some cases, where your teeth are greyed or deeply stained, you need a dental crown to make them look as natural as they can get. The upside is that the crown can hardly be noticed by many, and you can have a custom one that matches your other teeth.
Prevents and reduces the risk of infection
A tooth remains highly vulnerable to more infection and contamination after a root canal therapy since it is left without the pulp. Contrary to what they are mostly considered for, dental crowns aren’t just for aesthetics. They can play an important role in keeping your tooth free from the risk of infection by sealing it off and preventing de-contamination or further infection.
Acts as a backup for your tooth
Due to the weakening of the tooth, the sensitivity, and the overall reduced functionality of your tooth, it is recommended that you get a crown as a reinforcement. It provides extra security while helping your tooth remain healthy and functional and less painful even when chewing. This is especially important if your tooth had already been damaged and the crown will hold together the fragmented pieces preventing it from further destruction.
Schedule an Appoint to Learn More of the Benefits of a Crown After Root Canal Therapy
Don’t be intimidated. Having a dental crown after an endodontic procedure elevates the chances of your tooth surviving during the healing process. It will help you bring your smile back, keep your tooth healthy, and prevent it from the risk of infection. For more information, the procedure, costs, and benefits of getting one, reach out to Smile Angels and book an appointment with experienced dentists.