A root canal treatment can save a severely broken tooth or an infected tooth with deep decay, but the dental care process doesn’t end there. To fully restore function of the damaged tooth, to restore your beautiful smile and to protect your natural tooth in the long term, your dentist will often recommend a dental crown. In this post, we’ll walk you through the crown tooth procedure after a root canal procedure, including what to expect, why it’s necessary, and how to take care of your restored tooth.
Once there is a broken tooth or tooth decay that affects the pulp chamber, signs of bacterial infection like severe pain may appear which eventually necessitates a root canal procedure or endodontic treatment. After root canal therapy, the infected pulp of the decayed tooth is removed and replaced with a biocompatible filling material to prevent infiltration of bacteria. The cavity is then sealed with a temporary filling and eventually, a permanent filling is recommended.
Read more about Root canal treatments here.
While this prevents the need for tooth extraction, it also leaves it the entire tooth more brittle and prone to fracture. A dental crown helps by:
Particularly for molar teeth or back teeth, which handle heavy chewing forces, placing a crown after root canal treatment is often considered standard practice to protect the natural tooth structure. Skipping this may lead to damaged or infected natural teeth and eventual tooth loss, which may in turn affect the healthy teeth adjacent to it as well.
Once the root canal therapy is completed and the tooth has healed, your dentist will check if the tooth is stable and ready for crowning.
The dentist or root canal specialist reshapes the tooth to make space for the crown. This dental procedure involves trimming down the outer layer and smoothing the surface to ensure a good fit.
A digital scan of your teeth is taken to design a custom crown that fits perfectly over the prepared tooth.
A temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated at a dental lab. 3D printed-resin crowns are same day crowns that offer an aesthetic restoration alternative for patients.
At Dental Designs Clinic, there is no need for temporary crowns as we offer same day crowns, thanks to our fully digital workflow as well as an in-house lab. Your permanent crown is custom-made and fitted on the same day, saving you both time and the added cost of temporary crowns.
Once the permanent crown is ready, it is permanently cemented onto the tooth. Your dentist checks for bite and chew issues and makes adjustments to the custom-made crown if needed to ensure comfort and oral function.
The timeline varies, but generally:
Your dentist will recommend the type of crown material based on the location and function of the tooth:
Read more about the different types of crowns here.
After discussing treatment options, the dental professional will provide a personalised estimate based on your specific case. The cost of a tooth crown procedure can vary based on:
With good oral hygiene habits and proper care, a crown with long-lasting results. Here’s how to maintain it:
Placing a dental crown after a root canal treatment is an important final step to protect and preserve your treated tooth. Skipping this step could result in the need for additional treatment, further complications, and the possible loss of the tooth that underwent root canal therapy. Restoring your tooth with a protective crown can offer long-term function, comfort, and confidence in your smile.
If you’ve recently had a root canal or are planning one, consult your dental specialist about the most suitable crown options for your needs and lifestyle.
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