There’s nothing quite like the discomfort of a damaged tooth. From the sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures to the throbbing pain that can keep you up at night, a damaged tooth can turn even the simplest activities into agonising experiences. Whether it’s the result of poor oral hygiene, an accident, or simply the wear and tear of time, tooth damage is a common issue that affects countless individuals. Fortunately, advancements in modern dentistry have provided us with solutions to save our damaged teeth, often negating the need for tooth extraction. One such popular combination is a root canal treatment followed by a crown, offering a comprehensive approach to restoring the health, function, and aesthetics of a damaged tooth.
What is Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, trauma or a deep previous filling, a root canal becomes necessary to remove the infected tissue and restore the tooth to its proper function.
Root Canal Procedure
The procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Your dentist will examine the affected tooth, conduct tests, and may take X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and assess if a root canal treatment is necessary.
- Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free experience throughout the procedure.
- The dentist will create a small access hole in the tooth to reach the infected pulp chamber (nerve) and root canals, carefully removing the diseased pulp and disinfecting the entire area.
- After cleaning and disinfecting, the dentist will shape the canals to prepare them for filling. A dental filling is then placed into the canals to seal them and prevent recontamination.
- In some cases, a tooth that undergoes root canal therapy requires additional reinforcement and protection. As such, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength, functionality, and aesthetics.
Related: Tips to Prepare for Root Canal Treatment
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy offers several benefits, making it a preferred choice for treating damaged or infected teeth. Some of the key benefits include:
- Preserving Natural Teeth: The primary goal of root canal therapy is to save the natural tooth, even if the pulp is infected or damaged. Preserving your natural tooth allows for better chewing function and maintains the natural appearance of your smile.
- Pain Relief: By removing the infected tissue and addressing the underlying cause, root canal therapy alleviates the intense pain and discomfort associated with damaged or infected tooth pulp.
- Preventing Further Infections: An infected tooth can lead to the formation of dental abscesses or spread the infection to surrounding teeth and tissues. Root canal therapy eliminates the infection source, helping to prevent the spread of bacteria and further oral health complications.
To learn more about the benefits of root canal therapy, check out our blog: What are the Benefits of Great Alpine’s Root Canal Treatment?
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown or a cap is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth. It is designed to resemble the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. Dental crowns are commonly used in combination with root canal therapy to restore the strength, appearance, and functionality of a damaged tooth.
Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. Each material has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific needs and preferences of the patient.
How Does a Dental Crown Help After a Root Canal Treatment?
After undergoing a root canal treatment, a dental crown plays a vital role in the overall success and restoration of the treated tooth. Let’s explore how a dental crown benefits and supports the tooth post-root canal:
- Protects Weakened Tooth
A root canal procedure involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, which can weaken its structure. A dental crown provides a protective layer that covers and encases the remaining tooth structure, preventing it from further damage or fracture.
- Restoring Functionality
Damaged teeth often experience a loss of strength and functionality. A dental crown restores the tooth’s ability to bite, chew, and withstand normal biting forces, allowing you to comfortably eat a variety of foods and perform daily activities without limitations.
- Enhances Aesthetics
Teeth that have undergone a root canal treatment can become discoloured or appear dull over time. A dental crown, custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, restores the natural aesthetics of the treated tooth, seamlessly blending with the surrounding teeth and enhancing your smile’s appearance.
- Improves Longevity
A dental crown helps improve oral hygiene by sealing the treated tooth from bacteria and debris. It eliminates any open spaces or cracks that could trap food particles or plaque, making it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, for the long-term health of the restored tooth. The crown also acts as a barrier, preventing the spread of decay or infection to the treated tooth. It seals off the root canal access point and covers any remaining vulnerable tooth structure, reducing the risk of reinfection and the need for further dental interventions.
- Reduces Risk of Infection & Further Damage
A damaged tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment remains susceptible to future infections or fractures. A dental crown provides an additional layer of protection, reducing the risk of reinfection and preventing the need for potential tooth extraction or more extensive dental procedures in the future.
- Durable & Lasting
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are crafted from materials known for their strength, allowing them to withstand the forces of chewing and biting over an extended period. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, a well-maintained dental crown can provide lasting protection and functionality for many years.
As such, a root canal treatment paired with a dental crown offers numerous advantages. It protects the weakened tooth, restores its functionality and aesthetics, improves oral hygiene, prevents the spread of decay and reinfection, reduces further damage risk, and provides a durable solution for long-term tooth health.
Root Canal with a Crown: Restoring Oral Health, Aesthetics, and Functionality
At Great Alpine Dental Advanced Aesthetics & Implants, our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care that restores your oral health, aesthetics, and functionality. We understand the importance of a seamless treatment experience. As such, we offer TGA-certified, high-quality ceramic crowns crafted in-house for a flawless finish and optimal fit following your root canal therapy. Our utilisation of Chairside Economical Restoration of Aesthetic Ceramic (CEREC) technology allows us to create your dental restoration on the same day, eliminating the need for lengthy waiting periods or temporary restorations. With our state-of-the-art facilities, we can design, fabricate, and place your crown in a single visit, providing you with convenience and an instantly restored smile. Schedule your appointment at Great Alpine Dental today and let us bring back your healthy and beautiful smile.
