Is It Necessary to Crown a Tooth after Root Canal?

Question 1

What is a root canal?

Answer

Root canal-infected tooth treatment is used when the infection has damaged the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the inner chamber that houses your tooth’s connective tissues and nerves. The procedure entails drilling your tooth to gain access to the pulp and removing it. Afterward, Dr. Awadalla will disinfect your tooth and its canals to eliminate the infection and seal your tooth against future decay. Lastly, we’ll crown your tooth to bolster its structure for future use.

Question 2

Is it necessary to crown a tooth after a root canal?

Answer

If your tooth sustained severe damage due to the infection, a crown is the best course of action to strengthen your tooth for future use. When you bite and chew, a crown will make your tooth resilient to chipping and cracking. Crowns also add an extra layer of protection against infection and decay in the future.

Question 3

Which type of crown is best for a root canal tooth?

Answer

That depends on the state of your tooth, its location, your personal preference, and budget. Strength is more important than appearance for back teeth that bear the brunt of grinding and chewing food. Gold and metal crowns are the strongest and more apt to provide longer-lasting protection and use. In contrast, you may prefer a porcelain or ceramic crown that’s more aesthetically pleasing on a front tooth to retain your smile’s attractive appearance. Dr. Awadalla can guide you in making good crown choices to preserve the health and welfare of your teeth.

Question 4

Are there alternatives to crowning a tooth after a root canal?

Answer

To fortify a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, you can choose between dental crowns, fillings, or onlays (partial crowns). A dental crown offers maximum protection and support for a tooth significantly weakened by infection. A crown completely covers your tooth, restoring its shape, color, and structure. A filling or onlay may provide sufficient protection and support after root canal treatment for a front tooth that’s still structurally sound.

Question 5

Can I eat normally after having a tooth crowned with root canal therapy?

Answer

Yes! That’s one of the benefits of crown treatment. The crown will bear the brunt of biting and chewing to restore your tooth’s usefulness. However, you should avoid extremely hard foods as they can damage your crown and tooth!