If you have recently had a root canal or are scheduled for one, your dentist may have mentioned that a crown is the next step. This is very common and usually recommended.
A dental crown after a root canal protects and strengthens the treated tooth, restoring its function and appearance. Read on to learn why a dental crown is the gold standard for post-root canal care.
What Happens to Your Tooth After a Root Canal?
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp inside your tooth. This gets rid of the infection, but it also cuts off the tooth’s internal blood supply.
Without that blood supply, the tooth becomes more brittle over time. The root canal procedure also hollows out part of the tooth’s structure, further weakening it.
On the surface, the treated tooth might look normal, even healthy. However, it’s more likely to fracture under biting pressure.
Do You Always Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Not every tooth needs a crown after a root canal, but most do. It comes down to which tooth was treated and how much healthy structure is left.
Back teeth (molars and premolars) almost always need crowns. They endure the heaviest chewing forces, making them especially vulnerable to cracking.
Front teeth undergo less biting and grinding stress, so they don’t always require crowns. If enough tooth structure remains, a permanent filling could be sufficient. A crown might still be placed for aesthetics or to address cracks, but it’s often unnecessary.
To summarize, a crown is often needed when:
- The tooth had significant decay before the root canal.
- A large filling was already in place.
- The tooth shows visible cracks or structural damage.
What Happens If You Skip the Crown?
Without a crown, the treated tooth is at serious risk. It can crack or break from everyday chewing. If it does and if the fracture extends below the gumline, the tooth may not be salvageable.
There’s also a chance of reinfection. Temporary filling material wears down over time, giving bacteria a way back in.
On the other hand, research shows that a dental crown after a root canal can significantly extend the life of a tooth. One study that followed patients for 37 years found that the final restoration, such as a crown, was a primary factor in whether a tooth remained functional over several decades.
How Soon Should You Get a Crown?
Many dentists recommend placing a crown within one to two weeks after a root canal. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of cracking or reinfection.
Some dental offices, such as OnlyCrowns, offer same-day crowns using digital scanning technology. Unlike with traditional crowns, you don’t have to wear a temporary crown or return to your dentist for multiple appointments. It only takes one visit to get permanent crowns.
What the Process for Same-Day Dental Crowns Looks Like
At a specialty practice like Only Crowns that uses CEREC technology, the entire crown appointment takes about 90 minutes.
Here is what you can expect:
- Tooth Prep: The dentist gently shapes the treated tooth so the crown will fit securely over it.
- Digital Scan: The dentist uses a small 3D camera to capture detailed images of your tooth. The process is quick, painless, and highly accurate.
- Same-day Design and Milling: The digital scan is sent to a computer right in the office. The dentist designs your custom crown, and a machine mills it from a solid block of strong, natural-looking zirconia.
- Crown Placement: Once the crown is ready, the dentist checks the fit, bite alignment, and color. Then it is cemented into place. You leave with your permanent crown the same day.
How to Take Care of Your Dental Crown
The zirconia material used to make a crown cannot decay. However, the tooth it covers and the gums surrounding it can still develop issues.
Plaque and bacteria can build up around the crown, leading to swollen or bleeding gums. Left untreated, they can cause decay to form on the natural tooth structure underneath the crown.
An oral hygiene routine is the simplest and most effective way to protect your restoration and the investment you’ve made in your smile.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, focusing on the gumline around the crown.
- Floss daily, including around and underneath the crowned tooth.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods like ice, hard candy, and caramel that can chip or loosen the crown.
- Get regular checkups so your dentist can monitor the crown and identify potential issues early.
- Ask about a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping.
If you notice pain, sensitivity, or any change in how your bite feels, contact your dentist right away.
Protect Your Smile With a Crown That Lasts
A dental crown after a root canal is one of the best things you can do for the treated tooth and your long-term oral health. It guards against fractures, seals out bacteria, and improves the appearance of your smile.
Only Crowns has spent over 20 years specializing exclusively in dental crowns. Every crown is placed in just 90 minutes, priced at just $799 with no hidden fees, and backed by a lifetime warranty.Schedule your appointment today, and walk out with a stronger smile after your visit.