Undergoing root canal treatment can help save your damaged or infected tooth. As a final step of the procedure, most dentists place a crown or cap to protect the remaining tooth structure. You may ask, “Is it really necessary to get a crown after a root canal?” While some treated teeth may benefit from a dental filling, a crown offers more long-term protection against further damage. Read on to find out more.
What A Root Canal Does To Your Tooth
When you have a small cavity or tooth damage, your dentist’s preference will be to restore it using dental fillings. However, if the damage or infection extends to the inner pulp (core of the tooth), the best option to save the tooth will be a root canal.
In this process, the infected pulp tissues are removed, and the canals are sealed with a rubber-like material. Once the nourishing tissues of your tooth have been removed, the remaining structure becomes weak and more prone to fractures. Without additional protection or coverage, the tooth may break or fracture due to heavy biting forces.
Is A Crown Necessary After A Root Canal?
Because the integrity of your tooth structure has weakened after root canal treatment, most dentists recommend a crown to protect against further damage. A dental crown is an artificial covering that is designed to cover the entire tooth structure above the gum line.
Once a crown is placed, it can withstand biting and chewing forces, protecting your root-canal-treated tooth from breaking under stress. This step of the treatment is particularly recommended for back teeth (molars) as they bear more pressure of your bite. With additional coverage, your teeth can remain functional for many more years.
What Happens If A Crown Is Not Placed After Root Canal Treatment?
Research shows that a root-canal-treated molar is more likely to break or fracture under stress than a healthy one. If a crown is not placed soon after the treatment, your treated tooth may not be able to withstand the routine wear and tear.
Moreover, the pressure of our bite mainly lies on the posterior teeth. Without protection from a dental crown, the weakened tooth may fracture, which can turn into a serious complication. In rare cases, you may even end up losing your tooth if it cannot be saved with dental restorations.
Do Front Teeth Also Need Crowns?
Not all front teeth need crowns after a root canal. Since there is less force on the front teeth, a dental filling might be sufficient to seal and protect the tooth. However, if your tooth is severely decayed, chipped, or damaged, getting a crown will help provide more long-term benefits.
Final Words
Getting a crown after a root canal can improve the strength and longevity of the tooth, especially in the case of molars. If you have any questions about root canal treatment, you can consult our dentists at Pearl Dentistry Houston Heights. Call us today at (346) 476-0627 to book an appointment with our experts.