A root canal treatment effectively treats dental decay where the infection has spread to the tooth’s pulp. Removing the infected pulp often results in a hollow cavity forming inside the tooth, jeopardizing its strength.
To rectify this, your dentist will fill the cavity with a dental filling and suggest you get a dental crown to reinforce the strength of your treated tooth. Some people might wonder if you have already filled the cavity, do you need a crown?
Most people undergoing a root canal treatment will benefit from getting a dental crown. Not only can the crown protect your tooth from future infections, but it can also restore the strength of your bite for enhanced functionality.
Why Is Capping After A Root Canal A Good Idea?
Capping or placing a dental crown after a root canal treatment is a good idea for most patients. As the crown seals off the cavity formed after the root canal treatment, it can effectively prevent food debris from getting trapped and causing reinfection.
Adding the crown to your infected and weakened tooth can restore its strength, allowing you to use your treated teeth like before.
Here are a few reasons your dentist might recommend getting a dental cap after a root canal treatment:
1. If the tooth becomes weakened
If your tooth loses a lot of its mass during the root canal treatment, it can cause it to weaken. If you have had an extensive infection and much dental tissue needs to be removed during the procedure, your tooth is at risk of crumbling and collapsing when subject to the pressure of grinding and chewing.
A dental crown covers the weakened tooth and improves its strength so you can chew with normal force without worrying about your tooth crumbling under pressure.
2. If the infected tooth becomes sensitive
If tooth decay is caught in its early stages, your dentist might not have to remove the entire pulp from your infected tooth. Whatever pulp remains may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, sugar, and pressure. The sensitivity can cause discomfort and prevent you from using your tooth typically.
Fitting a crown on such a tooth can protect it from elements and eliminate sensitivity.
3. If the tooth is discolored
Another reason your dentist might recommend a dental crown after a root canal treatment is discoloration. A severely infected tooth might become discolored, and a crown can enhance its appearance.
4. If a dentist restored the tooth before
If the tooth getting a root canal treatment was infected before and received a dental filling, you are more likely to get a dental crown. The crown can prevent further infections and protect your tooth better than with filling alone.
What If The Tooth is Not Capped?
Not getting a dental crown after a root canal can have disastrous consequences, especially against your dentist’s advice. Although your dentist will fill in the cavity of your tooth with a tooth-colored dental filling, more is needed.
If the cavity left after the root canal treatment is large, then filling alone is insufficient to provide the strength. Furthermore, the chance of the filling coming off is more significant if the cavity is more extensive. If you lose a part or the entire filling, food can get stuck and cause a reinfection.
A tooth treated for a root canal infection loses its strength. The tooth can crumble under bite pressure if you don’t have a dental crown.
When Is It Okay To Leave Your Tooth Without A Dental Crown After A Root Canal Treatment?
In most cases, your dentist will recommend getting a crown after a root canal treatment, especially for the back teeth. However, in some situations, it is not mandatory to get a crown.
For instance, if you get a root canal treatment for one of your front teeth (such as canines or premolars), you might not require crowns. The front teeth don’t experience as much pressure as the molars, and your dentist might recommend getting the teeth filled with a dental filling without a crown.
If your front teeth are discolored by decay, a crown can enhance their appearance and restore your beautiful smile.
To Sum Up
Getting a crown placed after a root canal treatment is a good idea as it can prevent reinfection and strengthen your tooth so it becomes functional again. Your dentist might recommend it in certain situations; you must follow your dentist’s recommendation to prevent further complications.
If you are searching “dentist near me” to get root canal treatment in Ajax, ON, we recommend KC Dental – Ajax . Their experienced and qualified dentists have helped hundreds of patients find a permanent solution for their infected teeth with root canal treatment and dental crowns.