Your journey toward complete restoration doesn’t stop when root canal treatment has been carried out. To ensure your tooth’s long-term strength and functionality, it often requires additional support—typically with dental crowns.
But is a dental crown always needed after a root canal? What happens if you choose not to get one? Are there other options besides a crown? You’ll find out in this article.
Why Are Teeth More Fragile After a Root Canal?
During a root canal procedure, your dentist removes the infected pulp, nerves, and blood vessels from the inside of your tooth. By doing so, this treatment also removes the tooth’s internal support system and weakens it considerably. Without the pulp and nerves, the tooth becomes brittle and prone to fractures.
This is why endodontists often recommend placing a crown to offer the necessary reinforcement, protecting the tooth from further damage.
Without protection, the tooth left behind after a root canal is exposed to various risks, including:
- Cracking or breaking
- Tooth decay
- Increased sensitivity
It’s important to note that placing a crown on a tooth that has undergone a root canal also enhances its aesthetic appearance. A treated tooth is more prone to fractures due to its weakened structure, and any breakage can lead to cracks, which may result in complete tooth failure over time.
This is especially crucial to consider for front teeth, where both functionality and appearance are paramount. Avoiding such damage is essential to maintaining a healthy and visually appealing smile.
How Soon Should You Get a Crown After a Root Canal?
A study indicates that a tooth that has undergone a root canal but is left uncrowned is six times more likely to be lost compared to those that have crowns.
Therefore, timing is crucial when it comes to placing a crown after a root canal. Ideally, you should get a crown within a few weeks of the procedure. Still, the normal waiting period for dental crown placement may vary depending on several factors:
- Location of the tooth – The position of the tooth matters. Front teeth (anterior) generally experience less pressure compared to the back teeth (premolars and molars), which endure more stress from chewing. This makes molars and premolars more likely to need the protection of a crown as soon as possible.
- Fracture risk – there are those who are more at risk of fracturing their teeth, especially those with habits such as grinding teeth, clenching, or chewing hard objects.
- Size of the infection – if the treated infection is larger than usual, it may take longer for your tooth to heal. In such a case, it’s advisable to wait for your tooth to fully recover before placing a permanent crown.
Nevertheless, delaying the placement of your crown can expose the tooth to external forces and bacteria, increasing the risk of further damage.
Choosing the Right Crown Material
When it comes to dental crown material, there are several options to consider. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, and selecting the right one depends on factors like durability, cost, and aesthetic preferences.
- Porcelain: Known for its natural appearance and compatibility with front teeth.
- Zirconia: Extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing for both front and back teeth.
- Gold: Offers the highest strength, often used for back molars that endure heavy chewing pressure, though less aesthetically appealing.
Among the crown options, porcelain is the most expensive. Getting porcelain crowns in California, for instance, can cost around $800-$3000. Similarly, crown cost can vary depending on its location, shape, and size.
What to Expect After Getting a Crown
Once you’ve had a crown placed, root canal recovery is generally straightforward. You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this typically subsides as your mouth adjusts. Crowns generally last between 5 and 15 years, depending on how well they’re maintained.
Immediately after the procedure, you may want to avoid hard or sticky foods that could move the crown. Like natural teeth, dental crowns require regular maintenance, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups.
When are Crowns Not an Alternative?
While crowns are commonly recommended for molars and premolars, they are not always necessary for every tooth. For example, front teeth or teeth with small cavities may be restored with a large filling instead of a crown. In some cases, onlays may be sufficient alternatives, providing a middle-ground solution between a dental filling and a full crown.
It’s important to consult your dentist in Upland California to assess whether your specific tooth can remain crown-free. However, for teeth that endure more pressure during chewing, like back molars, a crown is often the safest choice to ensure long-term durability and functionality.
Visit Upland Dental Practice
Waiting too long or forgoing a crown altogether can lead to significant complications. If you’ve recently had a root canal, talk to our dentist at Upland Dental Practice about the best restoration option for your tooth’s long-term health. Don’t leave your tooth vulnerable—schedule a consultation today to explore your crown options and protect your smile!