A dentist might opt to cover your tooth with a dental crown after performing a root canal. Root canals are typically performed when a tooth has been damaged to the point its pulp chamber is compromised. It is also used to treat infected teeth.
A root canal involves cleaning out the blood vessels and nerves in the damaged tooth's pulp chamber. The dentist does this by making a hole into the pulp chamber with a drill and using dental files to extract the soft tissues. A local anesthetic is administered at the start of the treatment so the patient does not feel pain as the dentist works.
The location of a tooth that has been treated determines how necessary it is to protect it with a crown. Teeth at the front of the mouth do not deal with as much bite force as those at the back of the mouth, so composite bonding can be used to restore them after a root canal.
Teeth in the back of the mouth are used to grind down food, so they are regularly exposed to enormous bite forces. A tooth that needs a root canal has already been weakened by issues that created a need for a root canal, so it needs to be protected from further damage. A crown encloses the restored tooth, improves its appearance, protects it from acids and bacteria in the mouth and protects it from bite forces. Many dentists recommend covering any tooth that has been restored with a root canal with a crown, but composites might be an alternative for patients who are working on a budget.
Once a patient's tooth has been treated with a root canal, the dentist will start preparing it for the crown by shaving off enamel on all sides. This leads to a tighter fit with the crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is then taken by having the patient bite down on a mold. The impression is sent to a lab where crowns are made. The dentist fits the patient with a temporary crown to protect their teeth for the time being and sends the patient on their way.
It can take up to two weeks for the patient's customized crown to be ready. The patient goes in for a second appointment when that occurs. The dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the permanent crown into place. Alterations are made as needed to ensure the crown fits as it should.
There is no recovery period after getting a crown, but the patient might feel increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages for the next few days. Patients can reduce teeth sensitivity by using desensitizing products like toothpaste.
Dealing with an excruciating toothache that will not go away? It might be a sign you need a root canal. Call us or stop by our clinic to set an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://lincroftvillagedental.com or call Lincroft Village Dental Care at (732) 842-5005 for an appointment in our Lincroft office.
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