Why Some Teeth Need Crowns After Root Canal Treatment

If you've had root canal treatment and your dentist mentioned you'd also need a dental crown, you might have wondered why one procedure wasn't enough on its own. It's a fair question and one that comes up often. 

The short answer is that a root canal deals with what's happening inside the tooth, while a crown handles what's needed on the outside afterward. If you're curious about why these two often go hand in hand, or you're weighing this step with a dentist Saskatoon, this blog breaks down the reasoning in plain terms.

What Happens to a Tooth During Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is used to address infection or damage found inside a tooth, usually within the pulp chamber and the narrow canals that run down toward the root. 

During the procedure, a dentist removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth, then cleans and seals the space to stop the problem from continuing. This addresses what's going on beneath the surface, but it also means the tooth is left a bit different structurally than it was before the procedure took place.

Why Teeth Can Become More Fragile After the Procedure

Here's where things connect. To reach the inner part, a dentist typically needs to create an opening in the top of the tooth, and afterward, that access point gets filled back in. Removing the inner tissue, along with this access opening, can leave the tooth with less natural support than it had originally. 

The tooth can have less remaining natural structure after treatment, so additional protection may be recommended depending on its condition and location. This is exactly why restorative dentistry often plays a role once root canal treatment wraps up.

How a Dental Crown Helps After Root Canal Treatment

This is where a dental crown comes into the picture. A crown covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gumline and provides additional support to the remaining tooth structure during normal chewing. Such covering is a typical process in restorative dentistry, and it's especially relevant for back teeth, since molars handle a lot more force during everyday chewing than front teeth do. 

That said, a crown isn't automatically needed after every root canal treatment. Front teeth, which deal with less biting pressure, sometimes get by with a simpler filling instead. It really comes down to how much of the tooth's original structure is left once the procedure is finished.

Factors That Influence Whether a Crown Is Needed

A few things go into this decision, and it's rarely a one-size-fits-all call. The location of the tooth matters quite a bit; molars generally need more protection than teeth toward the front of the mouth. 

The extent of decay or damage present before treatment also plays a role, since more extensive damage usually means less natural tooth structure remains afterward. The size of the opening made to access the canals matters too; a larger opening can mean a bigger impact on the tooth's overall strength. And then there's simply how much bite pressure that specific tooth deals with day to day.

Because of all these variables, a dentist Saskatoon typically looks at each situation individually rather than applying a blanket rule to every case. What may work for one tooth will not necessarily have to be done to another one, even though both of them belong to the same individual.

The Process of Placing a Crown

If the dentist recommends a crown, the tooth has to be prepared to make room for the crown to be put in place. After preparation, an impression or a digital scan will be made to make a crown to fit the tooth. Finally, the crown will be put in place and evaluated for correct fitting.

Conclusion

Since a dental crown typically follows root canal therapy, it is clear that the reason for that is the fact that although the procedure solves all of the problems inside the tooth, it still makes it more susceptible to fractures without additional protection. With a crown, the tooth is distributed the chewing forces better and protected for the future. However, a crown may not always be needed, depending on the location and state of the tooth. 

This is the reason why an evaluation is needed first. West 14 Dental is a dental clinic in Saskatoon that offers its patients root canal therapy and restorative dentistry procedures. If you've recently had a root canal or think you might need one, contact West 14 Dental to check appointment availability.

FAQs

Does every root canal need a crown afterward?

Not always. It depends on the tooth's location and how much natural structure remains after treatment; front teeth sometimes need only a filling.

Is getting a crown after a root canal painful?

It is normally quite simple and basically consists of shaping the tooth and placing the crown, as is done with standard restoration work.

How long will a crown stay on your tooth?

If cared for properly, a crown can last for many years, although it depends on personal hygiene practices and how much bite force is placed on the tooth.

What are crowns made out of?

Crowns can be made from porcelain, gold, or a combination of both, depending on where the tooth is located and its purpose.

Will my crown look different from my natural teeth?

Crowns are typically shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth, so they generally blend in with the rest of your smile.