Why should we get a crown after a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save a severely infected tooth from further damage. During this procedure, the tooth’s infected portion, which is the pulp, is removed with the help of files, and later, it is replaced with medicaments and cement to save it from getting infected again. In this process, we lose the tooth structure we see in our oral cavity. Hence, to regain that structure and make a tooth perform its function again, we have to place a crown after root canal treatment. In the information provided below, we will briefly discuss the importance of crown after a root canal- brought to you by Bangalore Dental Specialists HSR Layout Bangalore
Importance of crown after a root canal treatment
Strengthen the tooth
After we remove the pulp from the tooth, the tooth becomes hollow and weak. A crown is placed on the tooth to strengthen this weakened tooth. This crown is made of various materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metals such as gold, which provides strength to handle the forces during biting or chewing the food
Prevents further infection
Once the infection is removed from the tooth, the chances of contamination are reduced. However, a crown is placed on the tooth surface to provide a barrier to food particles and plaque.
Reduces sensitivity
Some patients feel highly sensitive to extreme temperatures of hot or cold food items even after a root canal treatment. In such cases, a crown provides insulation against temperature changes, thereby reducing sensitivity and comforting the patient.
Restore aesthetics
A root canal-treated tooth might sometimes become discolored due to a lack of blood vessels. A crown after a root canal restores the aesthetics of such teeth, giving them a more natural and seamless smile.
When a crown is not required?
The requirement for a crown depends on the tooth that has been infected in the past. Usually, molars and premolars require crowns because of the high chewing forces on them, whereas incisors or canines can be left without them if there is not much damage to the tooth structure. There are ways a minimalistic approach is adopted to save the tooth from getting damaged during RCT, and instead of crowns, we use high-strength fillings.
Benefits of Crowns
Becomes more durable
If proper care is taken after a root canal treatment, a dental crown lasts many years. They protect the inner tooth structure from heavy decay in the future, thus giving it longevity.
Improves function
A crown makes the tooth fully functional after a root canal treatment. After a crown is placed, you can easily chew your food, bite, and even speak without hindrance.
Restores aesthetics
With new-age materials like zirconia, crowns are designed to have a more natural and lifelike appearance, even for molars and premolars. This helps maintain a uniform aesthetic smile.
Long-term Protection
A dental crown is designed to prevent further cracks or infections, preventing the need for cosmetic dental treatments to correct the smile.
The bottom line
While a crown after a root canal treatment is necessary, there are several conditions in which a tooth might not require a dental crown afterward. Hence, deciding where or which crown should be placed is very important. It is important to get your complete examination done at Bangalore Dental Specialists HSR Layout Bangalore to decide if you need dental crowns after RCT or not