When a Dental Crown Is Necessary After a Root Canal

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues that plagues countless smiles. If tooth decay is caught early, the effects can be reversed, and there will be no need to undergo invasive procedures.

However, when tooth decay is not dealt with, it will spread into the inner parts of the tooth. Once the tooth’s internal parts are exposed, you might need root canal therapy in Newton Falls. Root canal therapy is an excellent treatment performed to save a tooth. Decades ago, deep decay was dealt with through extraction.

Now, you get the chance to keep your tooth. However, you have two options for filling the space left when the pulp is removed: dental crowns and fillings. Let’s explore the instances when you might need a dental crown. But first, we need to get acquainted with root canal therapy.

Root Canal Therapy

Whenever you think of root canal therapy, what comes to mind? Root canal therapy is scary for some people because of the horror stories surrounding this procedure. However, dental technology is different from what it used to be before.

The procedure is done with modern dental tools and better sedatives and anesthetics. Therefore, there is nothing that you need to worry about.

Either way, root canal therapy near you is the last resort when saving your tooth. Therefore, our dentist performs this procedure to remove an inflamed, infected, or damaged pulp, which helps save the tooth.

When the infection reaches the pulp chamber, there will be damage to the nerve tissue, and bacteria will begin to multiply. If this continues, pus will collect at the roots, which is known as an abscess.

The infection can cause swelling that spreads to the other areas of your neck, face, and head. You might lose some of the bone around the tip of the root. Another thing that might happen is the pus might start draining from the root into the gums and cheeks.

How Is Root Canal Therapy Done?

Our dentist in Newton Falls will perform the root canal procedure in two dental visits. Here is how our dentist will perform the procedure:

• Step 1

Our dentist will commence by administering local anesthesia to ensure that the area surrounding the tooth is numb. This is done to ensure that you are comfortable. The next step is to place a dam around your tooth to keep it dry.

• Step 2

The next step will be to gain access to your root canal, which our dentist does by drilling the top of the tooth. Using an irrigating system, our dentist will remove the damaged parts of the tooth. After that, our dentist will clean the pulp chamber to ensure all debris is out. Our dentist will then shape and rinse the pulp chamber. The last step in this stage will be disinfecting the chamber using an antimicrobial rinse.

• Step 3

After the pulp chamber dries up, our dentist will use a rubbery material to close the space. The tooth will be sealed using a temporary filling while you wait for the permanent restoration, either a filling or a dental crown.

• Step 4

After a few days, you will come back to our office to get your permanent tooth restoration. Dental fillings can be used to cover the root canal. But there are instances where dental crowns are the preferred option.

Reasons for Getting a Dental Crown After a Root Canal

After a root canal treatment, getting a dental crown might be the best solution because of the following reasons:

Protects a Tooth From Sensitivity

At times the nerves can become oversensitive to extreme temperatures. This can be quite troubling, especially when taking something hot or cold. A dental crown will protect the tooth from the pain and discomfort associated with oversensitive nerves.

Retains the Natural Tooth Color

Tooth decay or the root canal procedure may alter the color of your teeth; if this happens, the best way to deal with the situation is to cap the tooth. The crown will ensure that the tooth remains white.

Prevents Infections

The tooth might become susceptible to contamination after a root canal. Additionally, the crown can work as a shield and protects the tooth from reinfection to save you an unnecessary tooth removal procedure.

When the Tooth Has Been Restored Before

If a root canal has been performed before, then the chances are high that the tooth will be infected. Placing a crown will cover the tooth completely and prevent future infections.

Root canal therapy in Newton Falls is an excellent way of saving an infected tooth. Contact us at Holpuch Dental to schedule an appointment.