Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Welcome New Year 2011. I wish endless smiles for everyone this year!

When a root canal procedure is done, a crown is most often suggested to be placed on the tooth. It is advisable to wait for a few weeks, if possible, before having a crown placed. The reason is you want to make sure the tooth is healing well after the root canal therapy procedure. Should there be any problems with the tooth, it is much easier for your dentist to retreat the tooth. In most cases, a composite filling can be placed on the tooth until a more permanent restoration, such as a crown, can be placed.

A lot of patients do not return to have a crown placed subsequent to a root canal treatment procedure, and believe me this is an awful choice to make. The usual reason for patient not returning for a crown being placed is the cost, but let me advise you that it is worth the money you spend in long run.

Read further to learn about the two essential reasons that you need to consider a crown:

1.       Save that brittle thing: You do not want the tooth to crack, break, or crumble into pieces from the stress you oral cavity undergo daily. After a root canal treatment the tooth becomes brittle which leaves the tooth in a vulnerable condition and placing a crown on the tooth will protect the fragile tooth and gives the tooth some added strength and durability for chewing.

2.       Save from infections: The aim of root canal therapy is “Hermitic Sealing” – which is to make the tooth sterile and free from infections in the future. During the final stages of the root canal therapy the inside of the tooth is filled with root canal cement. If the infection re-occurs, the root canal therapy has failed and the tooth will either need to be retreated or extracted. A crown covers the entire outside of the tooth, acting as a protective barrier against bacteria and debris, thus helping to prevent the root canal therapy from failing.

Be informed and take good care of your white pearls.

About the author:

Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.

The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.

She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.

E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com