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?

different. Permanent dental restoration in the form of a crown is needed. This post will talk about the reasons why it is important to get a crown after undergoing root canal therapy and whether you need one or not.

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.