A root canal can save a severely damaged tooth. However, a sizable portion of the tooth will likely be gone afterward. The good news is that a restorative dentist can rebuild the treated tooth with a dental crown. While not always a requirement after root canal therapy, these restorations are often the final step in restoring oral health and comfort.
During root canal therapy, the restorative dentist removes inflamed and infected tissue from deep inside the tooth. While the treatment eliminates pain and stops the spread of infection, the tooth may be much smaller and weaker afterward. Unfortunately, a weakened tooth faces a high risk of cracking or breaking when eating. After all, normal biting forces place significant pressure on the teeth.
To avoid these issues, the dentist will assess the strength of the remaining tooth structure after a root canal to determine whether a dental crown could help. These silver, gold, or tooth-colored restorations completely encase the tooth, restoring it to a healthy size and shape.
Here are the most common reasons why a restorative dentist would recommend covering a root canal-treated tooth with a crown:
Root canals are often performed on teeth that play a critical role in daily life, such as molars and premolars. These posterior teeth bear the brunt of grinding and chewing forces. A crown restores the original shape and size of these teeth, allowing patients to chew normally without discomfort. And if appearance is a concern, patients can choose a tooth-colored crown that blends in with nearby teeth.
Protecting the structural integrity of the tooth is only one function of a dental crown. A crown also acts as a barrier against oral bacteria. Although the restorative dentist seals the root canals with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) during the initial procedure, micro-leakage can still occur over time. If bacteria reach the deeper root chambers, a secondary infection may develop.
A permanent crown fits tightly over the tooth at the gumline, creating a durable seal. This seal prevents food particles and bacteria from entering the treated areas. The dentist will take care to ensure that the margins of the crown fit closely against the natural tooth structure to minimize the risk of recurrent decay. Maintaining healthy gums around the restoration further supports this protective barrier.
The process of receiving a dental crown typically requires two appointments. During the first appointment, the restorative dentist prepares the tooth to create space for the restoration. Then, they take impressions or scans, which a dental lab uses to fabricate a custom crown. During the fabrication period, which usually lasts 10 to 14 days, the patient wears a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
At the second appointment, the restorative dentist replaces the temporary crown with the permanent, custom-made one. Patients can go about their day as usual after leaving the dental office. However, the tooth may feel a bit sore or sensitive as it adjusts to the new crown.
A dental crown provides essential protection and support for a tooth after root canal therapy. To learn more about how to rebuild root canal-treated teeth, speak with a restorative dentist. Contact Austin Primary Dental today.
Request an appointment here: https://austinprimarydental.com or call Austin Primary Dental at (512) 808-5651 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentist in Austin, TX.
A restorative dentist focuses on diagnosing and treating dental problems that affect the function and appearance of the teeth. While general dentistry emphasizes prevention and maintenance, a restorative dentist provides solutions for damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. These services are essential for patients seeking to regain comfort, oral function, and confidence in their smiles. Our…
A restorative dentist might recommend a dental bridge if you are missing multiple teeth right next to each other. Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. Bridges are permanently fixed artificial teeth that are usually secured to the two teeth closest to the gap. These oral devices help restore the function of…
Restorative dentistry is common practice for many patients during their dental appointments. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your dentist is one of the most beneficial practices you can establish to maintain proper oral hygiene. Your smile says a lot about you, and it is often the first feature noticed when you meet someone new. Everyone should…
A restorative dentist might perform a root canal to save a tooth with a damaged pulp chamber. It is a beneficial treatment that can have therapeutic benefits. A tooth’s pulp chamber is the innermost layer that contains its nerve and blood vessels. It is sealed off from the rest of a tooth so bacteria and…
Dental implants can replace missing teeth, but the surrounding tissues still require daily care and…
If you are searching for veneers that will provide a natural-looking smile, you need tailored…
If the sound of a dental drill makes you feel uneasy, visiting a laser dentist…
A tooth extraction helps protect oral health, but complications can happen.
Many individuals ask cosmetic dentists whether at-home whitening can deliver noticeable results for their smile.
At each checkup, the family dentist will clean the smile and look for any signs…
