After a Root Canal, Why Are Dental Crowns Recommended?

When you have a tooth that is damaged to the point where you are unable to eat or feeling a lot of pain your dentist will give you a few options. Depending on your situation you may need the tooth extracted if not you can have a root canal on your damaged or previously infected tooth.

Dental crowns are typically recommended after a root canal to keep the tooth more structured and prevent the tooth from breaking away. Root canals can create a sensitive tooth that is much smaller than it was before. A dental crown or teeth crown will protect the tooth and create a more uniform look.

If you need a root canal, chances are your doctor will recommend a dental crown. In this article, you will learn exactly why there are many benefits to getting a dental crown after a root canal as for any risks. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dental crowns and root canals.

Root Canal Compared to a Tooth Extraction – Which Is Better?

There are some cases where a tooth extraction may be the better fit. For the most part, Dentist at Thousand Oaks will decide if a root canal is better for you than taking the tooth completely as this creates space.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal happened when there is an infected tooth needs to be removed. The dentist will drill a small hole into the surface of the tooth and remove all of the infected tissue and nerves. This can sometimes take a few visits to remove them all. They will then take an x-ray to make sure it’s clear.

After the root canal, there is when a dental crown is recommended to protect the tooth for over a decade. You will be able to eat like normal and be pain-free. A dental crown also helps to keep out any type of infection.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is when the tooth, root, and all are taken out while the area is fully numbed. It is usually pulled and not cut out. In some cases, they may use nitrous oxide or put the patient to sleep depending on the situation.

After tooth extraction, you will not be able to get a dental crown and will simply be left with a space where the tooth once was. This can create other issues because the surrounding teeth may start to shift to fill the gap. This could cause your teeth to become crooked or space.

There are some emergencies where a dentist may take the tooth, but they prefer not to. A few cases where they may pull the tooth is:

  • Inability to pay for a dental crown
  • Baby teeth in children
  • A trauma where the tooth is no longer stable

When it can’t be helped the tooth will be pulled.

Why Would a Tooth Need a Dental Crown?

When you have a tooth that is beyond repair or causing a lot of pain your dentist will want to get to the root of the problem. A dental crown will protect a tooth that has had a root canal or that is damaged. If the tooth is too damaged to eat as you normally, it would be filled down and have a dental crown placed on top.

Depending on the condition the tooth is in they may limit the options as to what the dentist can do.  The common options for a damaged tooth are:

  • Adding a dental crown
  • Checking for infection
  • Checking the tooth structure
  • Performing a root canal
  • Removing the tooth
  • Ridding the tooth of an infection

All of these make up the steps the dentist will take when trying to give you the healthiest mouth possible. If your tooth needs to be pulled, then you will not be able to have a dental crown because there will be nothing to attach the tooth to.

What Happens if You Do Not Get a Crown After a Root Canal?

If you have a root canal and do not add a dental crown on top you could open yourself up to several different issues such as:

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Weakened tooth
  • Discolored tooth
  • A tooth that is much smaller looking than your other teeth
  • Infections
  • Repeat cavities

Getting the dental crown will not only protect your mouth but will give you a more uniform look. Your dental crown will be the same size and shade as the rest of your teeth. Dental crowns are fairly unnoticeable.

Dental Crowns After a Root Canal

It is always recommended to have the dental crown put on to the tooth that had a root canal to allow you to resume a normal life. Tooth pain is no joking matter. The last thing you would want is to not be able to eat certain foods anymore because of the discomfort you may feel. Protecting your tooth with a dental crown that will last for over a decade is the right choice.