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Do you need root canal treatment? Whether your tooth will require a crown after root canal treatment depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn more, but first, let’s make sure you know what a root canal and a crown are.
Root Canals
A root canal is a part of the root of a tooth, so what we call a “root canal” is actually a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves:
making a small hole at the top of your tooth in order to remove the inflamed or infected soft tissue (called pulp) from inside the tooth
cleaning out the infected tissue and disinfecting the tooth
sealing the tooth with a temporary dental filling material until the tooth is restored with a composite resin filling (with or without a metal/fiber post) to help reinforce the tooth.
This treatment eliminates bacteria from the tooth, prevents reinfection, and saves the natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that reconstructs and reinforces a damaged or decayed tooth. They can be made from tooth coloured porcelain, gold, metal, or a tooth coloured metal known as zirconia. It is a restoration that is cemented or bonded in place and does not come off the tooth.
Why You Might Need a Crown after a Root Canal Procedure
I.
You may require a crown after a root canal procedure if more than half of the tooth’s structure has been destroyed by decay or damage. While the root canal procedure can save the remaining part of the tooth, the procedure also weakens it. Therefore, for ultimate protection against further damage, and future tooth loss, a crown will be required.
II.
The position of the tooth that receives the root canal procedure plays a significant role in determining if you will need a crown. In general, back teeth (molars and premolars), which are used primarily for chewing and grinding food, greatly benefit from the strength a crown provides. On the other hand, Front teeth (incisors and canines) can often forgo a crown, especially if the damage is minimal.
III.
A weak tooth structure can result in the need for a dental crown after a root canal procedure. The main sources of weakness are:
decay
the root canal procedure
previous restorations on the tooth
cracks
A root canal procedure combined with a crown will help you keep your tooth and protect it from further deterioration.
IV.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another factor in a patient’s need for a crown after a root canal procedure. Since clenching and grinding weaken even the healthiest of teeth, it is important to crown a tooth that has been weakened by a root canal treatment when the patient is known to clench and grind their teeth.
Will You Need a Crown after Your Root Canal Procedure?
Your dentist can determine the potential need for a crown; however, they are often recommended after a root canal procedure.
Contact Olivieri Dental Care for All Your Dental Needs in Hamilton
Olivieri Dental Care in Hamilton has been offering complete, and emergency dentistry to families and individuals of all ages since 1976.
Our skilled dentist and compassionate team are here to address all your dental needs, including root canals and crowns. Direct billing and parking are available. Contact us today to book an appointment!