Dental Crowns Procedure After Root Canal Therapy

Dental crowns have many uses in dentistry. They can be used to restore the appearance of damaged teeth, and they can be used to protect them from breaking apart. They also allow you to regain the use of damaged teeth since crowns can handle the bite forces generated when chewing.

Dental crowns are often used to protect teeth that have been restored with root canal therapy. The procedure is typically performed when tooth decay or trauma to a tooth leaves its pulp chamber exposed to irritants in the mouth.

Getting dental crowns after root canals

Root canals are needed when the nerves and soft tissues in the pulp chamber are exposed to bacteria, acids, and saliva. This usually leads to excruciating toothaches, and it is only a matter of time before the tooth becomes infected. An infected tooth is a serious oral issue that can have life-threatening consequences if it is allowed to fester without treatment. Infection can travel to vital organs like the brain and heart.  

Damage to a tooth that requires a root canal typically counts as a dental emergency. The dentist evaluates the patient with a visual examination and performs diagnostic tests like x-rays as needed. The dentist will proceed with the treatment once they have determined it is the right approach for the patient’s oral problem.

Local anesthetics are typically administered prior to root canals to prevent the patient from feeling pain as the dentist works. All they feel is pressure from the dentist pushing and pulling on the tooth. The root canal procedure starts with the dentist drilling a hole into the pulp chamber. This allows the dentist to use specialized files to remove all the soft tissues in the pulp chamber.

Once all the tissues and nerves have been removed, the dentist cleans the area and applies medication if the tooth is infected. The tooth is then fitted with a rubbery type of filling called gutta-percha. This prevents bacteria, acids and saliva from getting into the tooth and causing further damage.

Crowing the tooth

Once a tooth has been repaired with a root canal, a dentist might recommend covering it with a crown. This helps to prevent further damage and it improves the appearance of the tooth. The location of the tooth determines how important it is for the dentist to restore it with a root canal.

A tooth in the front of the mouth that has been restored with a root canal can use a crown, but it can also be restored with composite resin. Teeth at the back of the mouth are almost always covered with crowns since they deal with the most bite forces. Failing to cover a molar that has been restored with root canal therapy will likely lead to the tooth breaking apart over time.

Get the treatment you need

Tired of dealing with excruciating toothaches? A root canal might be all you need to put the pain behind you. Call or visit our Phoenix clinic to learn more about how root canal therapy and a crown can restore your severely damaged tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.