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Undergoing a root canal treatment is a significant step towards saving a damaged or infected tooth. However, many patients are surprised to learn that a dental crown is often recommended following this procedure. This additional step may seem unnecessary at first but it plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term health and functionality of your tooth.
Moreover, many crowned teeth end up getting root canal treatment done as well. This article will explain more about crowns, root canal treatment and the relationship between both treatments.
What is a root canal treatment?
Our teeth contain nerves, blood vessels and enamel. When a tooth has extensive cavities or becomes damaged due to an accident, the nerves and blood vessels become extra sensitive. In some cases, this tooth can be restored with some filling; but if the situation persists, the pulp tissue eventually becomes inflamed.
The result is severe pain in the tooth which does not go away even with medication. In order to save the tooth from extraction, a root canal treatment is performed. This procedure removes any inflamed or infected nerve tissue, thereby stopping the pain. Therein lies the success of root canal treatment.
When do I need root canal treatment?
Pain
Patients experience severe and continuous pain and in some cases make an emergency visit to the dentist due to the excruciating pain. This pain can be felt whenever they bite on food too.
Swelling
Inflammation of the tissues can lead to swelling around the affected tooth.
Pus
In some cases, pus can ooze out of the tissues surrounding the damaged tooth.
Loose tooth
When the infection travels to the structure supporting the damaged tooth, the tooth becomes destroyed. When this happens, this tooth becomes loose and may fall out if treatment is not sought in time.
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should see a dentist immediately. You may also contact us here to book an appointment.
What is a crown?
A crown is a dental cap that covers over the whole tooth to protect the tooth. There are various dental crown types and they all aim to restore the tooth back to its original shape and to protect tooth from further damage.
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Why do we need to crown a root canal treated tooth?
Root canal treatment effectively removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth, but it can leave the tooth fragile and vulnerable. The following reasons are typically why a dental crown after root canal is necessary:
1) Protection
The procedure removes a significant amount of tooth structure, weakening the tooth. The tooth also becomes more brittle after a root canal. A crown covers the tooth, protecting it from fractures and further damage.
2) Improve the appearance of teeth
A tooth after root canal treatment may become discoloured. In such instances, crowns are used to cover up the discolouration and to improve the look of the patient’s smile.
3) Restores function
A crown restores the tooth’s original shape and function, allowing you to bite and chew effectively. This is essential for maintaining proper oral function and avoiding discomfort.
4) Sealing
The crown provides an additional seal, preventing bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing reinfection.
5) Durability
Filling materials used in root canals can wear down over time. A crown offers a more durable solution, extending the life of the tooth.
Do all crowned teeth require root canal treatment?
For the most part, crowns are usually used to protect and rebuild teeth that have experienced some form of damage. Before the crown is installed, it’s ideal that anything that compromises the tooth’s nerve tissue is removed. As such, if the tooth is significantly damaged, it’s better to perform a root canal treatment first to ensure any infection is removed. In most cases, the events that lead to the need for a crown usually require a need for root canal treatment too.
Otherwise, if you’re getting a crown purely for aesthetic reasons or if your tooth is not acutely infected or inflamed, a root canal treatment will not be needed. In most cases, it’s the other way round; teeth that undergo root canal treatment usually require crowns after for protection. This is especially so for teeth in the back or molars and premolars. Front teeth, incisors and canines may not require a crown. Your dentist will be able to advise better.
If you have any questions regarding Root Canal Treatment or Dental Crowns, feel free to reach out to us and we will get back to you!
Whatsapp us at : +65 8200 9092
References
- Ford TR, Rhodes JS. Root canal retreatment: I. Case assessment and treatment planning. Dent Update. 2004 Jan-Feb;31(1):34-9. doi: 10.12968/denu.2004.31.1.34. PMID: 15000007.
- Coffman CR, Visser L. Crown restoration of the endodontically treated tooth: literature review. J Vet Dent. 2007 Mar;24(1):9-12. doi: 10.1177/089875640702400102. Erratum in: J Vet Dent. 2008 Mar;25(1):8. PMID: 17500483.