Importance of dental crown after root canal treatment.

A Root canal treatment is an invasive treatment which involves the extraction of root nerves from an infected tooth. The cavity is then cleaned and shaped before being filled with a rubber- like medicated filling. In most cases root canal treatments are done for the back teeth and are required due to deep decay. The purpose of this treatment is to save and remove any pain caused by the tooth.

Following this treatment there is no longer a nerve to supply nutrients to the teeth. As a result the tooth structure weakens, becoming more brittle and prone to fractures or cracks.

The posterior teeth such as the premolar and molars in particular are often prone to cracking after a root canal treatment due to their frequent use in chewing and grinding of food. While root canal treatments are able to save the tooth itself, everyday use can often cause further damage to its structure. Hence, dental crowns are extremely important in these cases. A Crown is a the tooth shaped cover placed on top of the teeth. They act as a protective shield, preventing further cracks or damage to the tooth, while also alleviating any pressure on the tooth.

So if you have done a root canal treatment and are thinking of getting a crown, it is best to do it sooner rather than later to protect your tooth from any further damage.

If you are unsure, please book an appointment with your dentist to discuss what treatment is best for your teeth.