A root canal is a procedure that a dentist in Tucson or an endodontist may perform to remove infected material at the innermost layer of the tooth. The goal of a root canal is to prevent tooth loss due to extensive decay. According to WebMD, root canals have a high success rate of over 95%. However, there is often follow-up work needed to ensure the tooth survives following the root canal procedure. Often, though not always, this includes the placement of a crown.
A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth. It can be made of metal, porcelain, ceramics or resin and cemented into place. Crowns are common after a root canal and can serve a functional purpose. However, even if a dentist in Tucson does not recommend a dental crown, a patient can request one for aesthetic purposes.
The purpose of a root canal is to save the tooth. However, the process of removing the infected pulp and nerve tissue requires a dentist or endodontist to drill a hole into the tooth to access the innermost layer. The hole is usually repaired with a filling afterward. Nevertheless, such an extensive procedure, while necessary to save the tooth, can also leave it weaker than before. A crown can help strengthen the tooth and prevent it from fracturing beyond repair following a root canal surgery.
A crown is not always necessary following a root canal procedure. However, sometimes a patient may choose to have one anyway to improve the appearance of the tooth. In addition to strengthening a tooth, a crown can also restore it to its natural size and shape. Crowns that are made of a material such as porcelain, resin or ceramic can also be color-matched to surrounding teeth. A patient who is self-conscious about the tooth's appearance following a root canal may derive more confidence from the placement of a crown even if the dentist does not require it.
The dentist or endodontist who performs the root canal will inform the patient if a crown is necessary thereafter. However, there are reasons why a crown may not be required after certain root canal procedures.
Sometimes a filling following a root canal to repair the hole made in the tooth during the procedure is sufficient to restore the tooth to its original strength. Many different factors can influence the strength of a tooth following a root canal. The dentist or endodontist can assess the situation and make an individualized recommendation.
Teeth at the front of the mouth are called the canines and incisors. Even after a root canal, they are usually at low risk for fracture because they bear very little of the responsibility for chewing. Except in cases where extensive excavation of the tooth has taken place, crowns are seldom required for incisors and canines following root canal compared with molars and premolars that bear the bulk of chewing responsibilities.
Crowns are common following root canal surgery. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that one will be required. Much depends on the individual circumstances and the patient's preferences.
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