16 Dec Will I Need a Dental Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is an incredibly important dental service. Although root canal treatment tends to have a bad reputation among some folks, it is actually a tooth-saving procedure that can prevent the death of a tooth or the need for the tooth to be extracted. Some patients, in addition to needing root canal therapy, may require a dental crown to restore the tooth to its proper shape. Our dentist offers gentle root canal treatments and custom made dental crowns to help our patients reclaim their oral health and improve their quality of life.
Why is root canal therapy necessary?
Inside the tooth is a small chamber where dental pulp and nerve endings live. This chamber is called a root canal. In a healthy tooth, the root canal is not susceptible to oral bacteria because the chamber is sealed. However, if a tooth is fractured or severely decayed, the root canal becomes exposed to bacteria. When exposed to bacteria, the root canal can become infected and since nerve endings are involved, an infection in this location can produce substantial discomfort and sensitivity. To remedy this discomfort and prevent further destruction to the inside of the tooth, root canal treatment is performed.
When is a crown needed?
A crown is a tooth-shaped restoration. When a tooth is damaged by extensive decay, cracked, or broken, it will need to be repaired so that it can provide a proper biting surface for chewing food and support neighboring teeth. To achieve these objectives, crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from more damage and restore the function of the tooth. Crowns are made for each individual patient based on very precise measurements.
What materials can I choose from for my crown?
Crowns can be made from different materials. For teeth that are more visible, white crowns made of all porcelain or porcelain fused to metal are the most natural looking options. Metal alloys may also be used for molars or for patients on a budget.
Call our practice at 210-616-0858 and schedule an appointment with our gentle and skilled dentist.