A root canal treatment is often the best way to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or infected, but the process doesn’t stop there. After a root canal, your tooth is weaker and more vulnerable to further damage, which is why dentists often recommend placing a dental crown on the treated tooth. If you’re wondering why dental crowns are necessary after root canal treatment, our Oak Park, IL, dentist breaks it down here.
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What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside your tooth. The dentist or endodontist cleans out the inner chamber, known as the pulp, and seals the tooth to prevent future infections. While this saves the tooth from extraction, it also leaves the tooth structure more fragile. The tooth no longer has living tissue, which means it’s more likely to become brittle over time. This is where a dental crown comes in.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed After a Root Canal?
- Restoring Strength and Durability After a root canal, your tooth loses much of its strength because the pulp is removed. Without the living tissue inside the tooth, it becomes more prone to cracking, chipping, or breaking under the pressure of everyday use. A dental crown acts as a protective shield, covering the entire tooth and reinforcing it, so you can bite and chew without worry.
- Preventing Further Damage A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is more susceptible to damage from chewing, grinding, or even everyday wear and tear. Without a crown, even a minor force, like biting down on a hard food, could crack the tooth. A crown offers long-term protection, helping to prevent the need for further dental work, such as an extraction or another root canal.
- Sealing the Tooth for Protection After a root canal, the tooth is sealed to keep out bacteria, but this filling alone is often not enough. Over time, the filling can wear down, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth again. A dental crown provides a more durable, long-lasting seal that protects the treated tooth from infection, decay, and future problems.
- Restoring Function and Appearance Aside from the structural benefits, a dental crown also restores the tooth’s natural appearance. Root canal treatment can leave a tooth discolored, especially if the treatment was done on a front tooth. A custom-made crown matches the color of your surrounding teeth, blending in seamlessly with your smile. Plus, it allows you to chew and speak comfortably, just like you would with a natural tooth.
Can Every Root Canal Tooth Get a Crown?
While most teeth that undergo a root canal will need a crown, there are some exceptions. For example, front teeth, which aren’t primarily used for chewing, may not always require a crown. However, premolars and molars, which do a lot of the hard work during eating, typically need crowns for long-term protection.
Root Canals and Dental Crowns in Oak Park, IL
If you’ve had a root canal or are scheduled for one, it’s important to understand the role that a dental crown plays in ensuring the long-term success of your treatment. At Dr. Thomas Wegner’s office in Oak Park, IL, we prioritize your tooth’s health and longevity by recommending crowns when they are necessary. If you have any questions about your treatment or are wondering if you need a crown, feel free to contact us for more information!