Does Root Canal require a crown?
Does Root Canal Require a Crown?
Every tooth that gets
treated requires some form of final restoration and root canal therapy is no
Does root canal require a crown? |
Your tooth may have weakened
Teeth that have undergone
root canal therapy tend to be extremely fragile. The tooth may have previously
suffered trauma. There may have been crack formation or an outright fracture.
Root canal therapy may have reduced the flexural strength of dentin. Dentin is
the hard, calcified tissue from which teeth are made. Cleaning agents used
during the treatment may weaken dentin.
Another factor that
contributes to teeth weakening is the procedure itself. In order to perform a
root canal, the dentist is required to create an access cavity which can weaken
the tooth. Crowns become vital in such cases to protect integrity of the tooth.
Crowns properly seal the tooth
Root canal treatment can
fail if mouth contaminants find their way inside the tooth cavity. Sometimes,
contaminants seep past dental restoration carried out on a tooth in a process
called coronal leakage. This can create several problems, including rot and
pain. Dental crowns can help in predictably preventing this type of damage.
Crowns help towards durability
The sole purpose of root
canal treatment is to save the teeth. This is why dentists carry out the
pain-staking process of root canal as opposed to tooth extraction. Crowns can
go a long way in lending lasting durability and longevity to the treated tooth.
When are crowns not necessary?
There are some cases where
you can do without getting a crown after root canal. This is usually for canine
and incisor teeth that are relatively intact. Teeth present towards the front
of the mouth experience less stress as compared to molars and premolars. These
teeth are not used for chewing. National Institutes of Health recommends having
a crown placed on only those incisors and canines that have undergone extensive
excavation during the root canal.
The Bottom Line
Typically, whether or not
to place a crown on front teeth depends upon the reason for needing a root
canal and the extensive damage as a result of it. The general rule of thumb
where root canals are concerned is that a crown should only be placed by
default if the tooth is a back grinding one or a premolar. It is important to
keep these teeth strong since they are used continuously for chewing and
masticating food.
Crowns are also recommended
for teeth that have had previous damage and have become weaker due to the
procedure. Caps help support the tooth and keep it strong. They are considered
a permanent restoration solution to root canal.
Contact a root canal specialist
Get in touch with one of the root canal specialists if you are confused whether you need a crown or not.
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