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Dental terms can sometimes be quite confusing. When your dentist proposes various treatment plans, it becomes much easier to make an informed choice if you understand how these procedures can positively affect your oral health, how long it may take to complete treatment and how much upfront cost is involved. When people say 'root canal crown', they’re usually talking about a tooth that has had a root canal procedure and now needs an artificial crown placed over it.
A root canal procedure saves your tooth from infection. A crown gives it the strength to last. Together, they protect both your health and your smile. But they're not always required together, and your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment plan based on your specific situation. Let's read more about these treatment options and when you may need them.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment or endodontic treatment is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside your tooth to relieve pain and save the tooth. This dental procedure is an effective way to save a severely infected tooth and avoid tooth extraction.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp tissue from the affected tooth and replaces it with a root filling material called gutta percha. This treatment helps save the tooth and prevent further damage to the soft tissue and tissues surrounding it.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is like a protective helmet for your tooth. It is a custom-made cap that covers the visible part of a damaged, weak, or worn-down tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
A permanent crown is usually made of a variety of materials such as ceramic crowns, metal crowns, or porcelain, depending on where the tooth is and your personal needs and offering a durable, natural look. Until it’s ready, your dentist may place a temporary crown to shield the area. Once placed, a crown allows you to chew comfortably, smile confidently, and protect the tooth for many years to come.
What is a root canal crown?
Root canal crown sounds like one big, complicated procedure but it’s actually a combination of two separate treatments that often go hand-in-hand. It simply means your tooth may need both treatments: first to remove the infection, and then to protect and restore the tooth afterward.
Not every root canal-treated tooth needs a crown, and not every dental crown comes after a root canal procedure, but they often work together to save your smile. They are typically done in different appointments. There is usually additional cost involved for dental crowns and it varies depending on the type of crown that you are going for. Root canal therapy usually takes 1–2 visits, followed by another visit for crown placement.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we offer same-day crown options where clinically appropriate using modern techniques and digital technology such as digital scans, CAD CAM designing and fabrication of crowns using quality materials at our in-house lab.
Why do I need a root canal crown after root canal treatment?
Once the root canal is complete, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to protect it from damage caused by chewing or biting. Some patients experience mild discomfort afterwards, but this typically subsides. With the restored crown of the tooth, you’ll be able to bite and chew normally.
After endodontic treatment, your natural tooth structure may be weaker and there could also be tooth discolouration due to loss of vitality. The dental crown procedure restores aesthetics, reinforces your entire tooth and protects it from tooth fracture. This restorative procedure is essential to ensure the long-term success of the endodontic treatment and prevent future infections.
It can be tempting to stop pursuing the root canal therapy after your pain has subsided but the bacterial infection could spread to the adjacent teeth and result in tooth loss which will necessitate additional procedures in future. Click here to read more on this.
When do you need a root canal, a crown, or both?
| Condition | Will I need a root canal treatment? | WIll I need a crown? | Why do I need treatment? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deep decay reaching pulp for back teeth |
Yes |
Often |
To address the infection; to protect the tooth from fracture as molar teeth have significant bite force |
|
Cracked or broken tooth with signs of infection |
Often |
Usually |
To remove bacteria reaching pulp through the cracks; crown to prevent further fracture |
|
Infected tooth causing severe pain or abscess |
Yes |
Usually |
Severe infection needs treatment; crown restores strength |
|
Large filling or decay but no pulp damage |
No |
Yes |
No infection, but tooth needs protection |
|
Cosmetic damage (discolouration, shape issues) |
No |
Yes |
For appearance and reinforcing the structure of tooth |
Related Articles
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals and Crowns In Singapore?
- Why Do I Need A Dental Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
Why do I need a root canal crown?
When tooth decay goes deep or a broken tooth damages the tooth pulp, the soft center of your tooth that includes nerves and connective tissue, you may experience severe pain, tooth sensitivity, or swelling. This often indicates pulp inflammation or an infected pulp that won’t heal on its own. You can experience severe tooth pain, swelling, or even an abscess.
A root canal procedure removes the infected tissues, disinfects the area, and seals it to prevent risk of reinfection. It is a way to save that tooth rather than pull it out. It is a routine medical procedure with a reliable success rate, often performed by root canal specialists or dental clinics with experienced clinic staff. Here are the usual steps:
- Diagnosis and Preparation – Your dental professional uses dental X-rays to assess the extent of the tooth infection or pulp damage.
- Numbing the Area – Local anesthesia ensures a pain-free treatment.
- Removing Infected Material – Using specialised tools, your dentist clears away the infected pulp tissue.
- Cleaning and Filling – The now-empty canal is cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material which is an inert material.
- Sealing the Tooth – The tooth is sealed to prevent any future infection. A temporary filling material or permanent filling is placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
- Definitive crown placement – A custom-fit permanent crown is placed over the root-canal-treated tooth to restore form a and function.
What happens after a root canal crown?
Following post-operative instructions and proper care after the entire treatment is essential to ensure proper healing. Here’s what you can expect and how to care for your restored tooth:
- Mild discomfort is normal for a few days. Your dentist may suggest over the counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication.
- Stick to soft foods for a few days to avoid stressing the tooth and avoid sticky foods.
- Maintain your oral hygiene routine with fluoride toothpaste, gentle brushing, and flossing.
- Be sure to attend your follow-up appointments so that your dentist can assess the healing and maintain your overall dental health.
Why saving your natural tooth matters?
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the ideal option for your long-term dental health. Natural teeth are uniquely adapted for chewing, speaking, and maintaining jaw structure. When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone around it begins to shrink, which can change your facial appearance and affect the position of nearby teeth.
In contrast, saving a tooth with a root canal and crown helps preserve your natural bite, avoids unnecessary gaps, and often proves more cost-effective over time. Root canal crown are designed to help you avoid tooth loss, bone loss, and more invasive additional treatments.
While dental implants and bridges are ideal alternatives when needed, nothing beats the strength, comfort, and natural feel of your own tooth. If it is a feasible option, it is worth saving a tooth for your oral health, your smile, and your peace of mind.
Conclusion
Root canal crown procedures help to save a decayed tooth that cannot be remedied just with a dental filling alone. A root canal treatment removes the infected tissue causing your pain, while a protective crown gives your tooth the strength and structure it needs to last for years to come. Together, they form a powerful team to help retain your natural tooth and support your overall dental health. With quality treatment and proper care, your tooth can stay functional for decades. Practising good oral hygiene is essential to maintain the health of the treated tooth and avoid future infections.
Get in touch with us to leave us a message and our friendly team will be happy to support your journey towards reclaiming your comfort, your confidence, and your oral health.