What's the Alternative to A Crown After a Root Canal?

If you have tooth decay, a root canal may be necessary to remove the decay and save your tooth. The American Association of Endodontists says that more than 41,000 root canals are performed daily in the U.S.

If you’re dentist or endodontist has scheduled you for a root canal, they might have mentioned that you’ll need a dental crown or restoration to strengthen your tooth and protect it from new infections and fractures. Keep reading to learn more about root canals and tooth restoration after a root canal.

Why is a root canal necessary?

A root canal or root canal therapy entails removing infected or decayed tissues from a decayed tooth. When decay damages your outer tooth’s surface or enamel, it exposes the softer dentin and pulp tooth to bacteria.

The bacteria infect the blood vessels, nerves, and other tissue, causing further decay. You’re likely to experience mild to severe symptoms like tooth pain, discoloration, and increased sensitivity at this stage. If not treated, the decay eats more tooth structure, eventually leading to tooth loss.

The dentist drills through the tooth to access the pulp during a root canal. Then, they use small files to remove the infected and decayed parts of the tooth. The tooth and root canals are then cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. If the tooth is significantly damaged and a root canal isn’t possible, tooth extraction will be the best alternative.

After cleaning the tooth, the root canals are shaped and sealed to prevent re-infection. After cleaning the tooth, the dentist will also place a temporary filling to fill the holes left. However, you’ll still need to return after about two weeks for the permanent restoration, usually a dental crown. Visit our dental office for root canals in Sharon, MA.

Why is tooth restoration necessary after a root canal?

Since a root canal involves drilling and removing the decayed parts of the tooth, it leaves your tooth weaker and brittle. Slight pressure from biting on hard foods can cause your tooth to break or chip easily, necessitating an extraction.

Similarly, bacteria can re-enter the tooth, causing new decay and eventually leading to tooth loss. Losing your tooth after all the effort and resources you’ve put in would be devastating.

Placing a restoration, preferably a crown, strengthens a tooth, making it more damage-resistant. Similarly, a crown shields the tooth from external factors like heat and bacteria, preventing pain and infections.

How long does it take to place the restoration?

Some dentists can perform a permanent restoration immediately after a root canal, while most prefer to place it later. It’s important not to delay the restoration installation as it puts your tooth at a greater risk of new infections and fractures.

Alternatives to dental crowns after a root canal

Dental crowns and fillings are the most common options for reinforcing a tooth after a root canal. Sometimes onlays are also considered a great alternative to crowns after a root canal. While these options are effective, you must consider several factors when choosing these treatments.

For instance, if the tooth is significantly fractured or broken, a dental crown is the best restoration since it covers the entire structure, fully protecting it from any external factors like chewing forces, heat, and bacteria.

Similarly, since tooth decay or a root canal can cause tooth discoloration, a crown is an excellent solution to hide these imperfections for a natural and beautiful smile.

If the tooth still has significant structure after a root canal but is still in relatively good shape, a dental filling or onlay may be practical to reinforce the tooth.

When it comes to choosing the material for your restoration, you have a variety of choices. If the restoration is used on a back tooth, it’s important to focus on strength and durability rather than aesthetics.

Metal and gold can withstand the great forces of chewing and grinding foods for many years, unlike other materials like composite and porcelain. More aesthetically appealing materials like porcelain, ceramic, and composite are great options for front tooth restorations. Your dentist will help you choose a suitable restoration and material for your dental needs.

Are you interested in root canal treatment in Sharon, MA?

For more information about root canal treatment and dental restorations, contact Sharon Dental Group.