Root canals are an essential part of treating severe tooth decay. The procedure can save your natural tooth and enable it to function normally again. Sometimes, getting a crown after root canal is necessary. This is what can make the tooth stronger.
Why do you basically need a dental crown after root canal treatment? When is it necessary, and what are the types? In this article, you’ll find out.
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Why Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
A crown is needed when the tooth needs some additional support to become more resistant. This is because, during a root canal treatment, a part of the tooth is removed. This is the infected pulp (innermost part of the tooth). The root canal is then filled with a material called gutta-percha. As a result of this procedure, your tooth becomes more susceptible to fractures. This is something to pay attention to, especially when it comes to the molars (back teeth). These teeth are under a greater deal of pressure from chewing, so they need to be stronger.
A crown can be advantageous after a root canal in several ways:
- It prevents the tooth from cracking or breaking
- It gives the tooth a natural shape and function
- It increases the longevity of the tooth
In most cases, we use crowns after the root canals. It is necessary for extremely damaged teeth and those in the back of the mouth. In some cases, for example, when the tooth is in the front of the mouth, and it’s not under a lot of pressure, a filling may suffice. Although these teeth might not need a crown immediately after the RCT, we recommend it in the long term to provide better protection for the tooth.
At Golden Mile Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental crowns in Scarborough to restore the strength and appearance of your teeth.
Types of Crowns Available After a Root Canal
There are several materials you can choose for your crown, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. With the help of your dentist, you can pick the best one for you. The most common types include:
Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns
You can choose porcelain and ceramic crowns for their natural look. They are especially suitable for front teeth. This is because they are very similar to natural teeth in terms of color and translucency.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are strong but not as strong as metal crowns. For molars under heavy chewing forces, a stronger crown might be better.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
If you prefer a balance between durability and appearance, this is a good choice. The strength of the metal, together with the natural look of porcelain, makes it a good match. However, the metal underneath the porcelain may become visible over time. This creates a dark line at the gumline, which damages its appearance.
All-Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy)
To have an extremely durable and resistant crown, go with metal ones. Metal crowns serve the purpose of protecting teeth very well, especially those made of gold or other alloys.
These crowns don’t look like natural teeth since they look metallic. This can be a drawback, especially for front teeth. You can get one for a molar, as it won’t be visible that much.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are not only very strong, but they also look natural. They are a great choice for both front and back teeth. They are more durable than porcelain crowns for front teeth. You can get an aesthetic look by matching the color of zirconia to your natural teeth.
Crown Type Best Suited For Visual Appearance Longevity Estimated Cost Range (CAD) Porcelain or Ceramic Front teeth Most natural, high translucency 10 – 15 years $1,000 – $1,800 Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Front & back teeth Natural look, but dark metal line may show over time 10 – 15+ years $900 – $1,500 All-Metal (Gold / Alloy) Back molars Metallic (non-tooth-colored) 15 – 25+ years $900 – $2,000+ Zirconia Front & back teeth Highly realistic, tooth-colored 15 – 25+ years $1,100 – $2,000
How to Care for Your New Dental Crown?
Everything needs to be cared for, and so is your new dental crown. There are a number of tips you can follow to keep your crown functional and good-looking. On average, crowns last between 5 and 15 years. Taking good care of your crown can extend its longevity.
- Pay Attention to Your Oral Hygiene: Crowns themselves cannot decay. But it’s not a good reason to skip good oral hygiene for the tooth with a crown because the tooth itself and the gums around it can still decay. Make brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash your non-negotiable routine.
- Remove Harmful Items from Your Diet: Biting down on hard stuff, like ice or candies, can hurt both your natural teeth and your crown. It’s best that you avoid very hard or sticky foods.
- Monitor Your Oral Health: Visiting your dentist regularly is necessary even when you don’t have any dental restoration. It becomes more important when a crown. This way, you can monitor everything about your oral health. Your dentist can detect problems early on and administer the necessary treatments.
At Golden Mile Clinic, all cosmetic and general dentistry services, including root canal, orthodontics, dentures, teeth whitening, dental bridges, dental implants, dental veneers, etc., are performed with the highest quality.
How is a Crown Applied?
Placing a crown is usually done in two dental visits. Recently, same-day crowns have emerged, and they are becoming more common. They can reduce the time you spend on your dental procedure.
First Visit:
- Preparing the tooth: We first need to change the shape of the tooth. We do this by trimming down the outer layer. We try to save the structure of the tooth as much as possible.
- Taking tooth impressions: The next step involves taking an impression of your tooth. We send this impression to the dental lab, where your crowns will be made uniquely for you. It’s also possible to use digital scans instead of traditional molds.
- Placing a temporary Crown: Making the dental crown in the lab takes a few weeks. Meanwhile, we place a temporary crown to protect your tooth.
Second Visit:
- Fitting the Crown: You’ll visit your dentist for the second time once your crown is ready. We’ll replace the temporary crown with the permanent version. Then, we’ll check if the crown is well-fitted and whether you’re comfortable with it.
- Cementing the Crown: After checking the appearance and fit, we cement the crown. Your procedure is now finished, and you can go back to your daily life.
Read More: When Is Getting a Dental Crown Necessary?
In Short
After a root canal treatment, your tooth becomes weaker. In most cases, a dental crown can protect your tooth from damage. In addition, a crown helps the tooth look natural and function properly.
Golden Mile Dental is the home to quality dental restoration applied by highly skilled restorative dentists. We ensure that you receive the excellent dental care you deserve. Contact us if you have further questions about dental crowns!
FAQ
What happens if you don’t get a crown after a root canal?
Without a nerve, a root-canal-treated tooth becomes brittle and easily cracks under normal chewing. A temporary seal can also wear down, which allows bacteria back inside. If the tooth splits deeply, it usually cannot be saved and must be extracted.
How long after a root canal should you get a crown?
Ideally, within 2 to 4 weeks. This gives any minor gum tenderness time to heal while making sure the temporary restoration doesn’t break or leak before your permanent crown is placed.
Is getting a crown after a root canal painful?
No. Since the nerve of the tooth was removed during the root canal, the tooth itself cannot feel pain. Your dentist will also numb the surrounding gums so you stay completely comfortable throughout the process.
Does the CDCP cover dental crowns in Ontario?
Government programs like the CDCP cover basic dental work, but crowns often require pre-approval. Your dental office can send a quick pre-determination to your plan to check your exact coverage.
