If you have undergone root canal therapy, chances are, your dentist also mentioned getting a dental crown eventually. While they are entirely different restoration treatments, they work hand in hand in protecting and preserving your weak tooth due to injury or tooth decay. In this post, learn the reasons why your dentist highly recommends a dental crown after you get a root canal.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over your weak and severely damaged tooth. It is a restoration treatment that helps save the tooth and the alignment of your teeth. A dental crown also supports other dental treatments like dental implants and bridges.
How does it work?
A dental crown works by covering the damaged tooth with a tooth-colored cap. Initially, your dentist will get the impression of the natural tooth by decreasing its size and getting the measurements of your tooth to send it to the dental lab. On your first dental visit, your dentist will place a temporary crown on your affected tooth.
Once your actual crown is done, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and bond your permanent crown. You will also get some reminders from your dentist on the do’s and don’ts of taking care of your dental crown to avoid complications.
Role of a dental crown in covering your tooth after a root canal
A dental crown is a necessary step to protect a weak tooth. The goal of root canal therapy is to preserve the natural tooth in your gums and replace the infected tissue and blood vessels with sanitized fillers.
The blood vessels in the pulp supply your tooth with the calcium and nutrients that it needs to stay sturdy. Since the pulp is removed during the root canal procedure, your natural tooth will start to get weak. Your tooth may also start to look darker or more yellow due to the lack of nutrient supply.
A dental crown can cover all the impurities and protect the weak structure of your natural tooth after root canal treatment. It serves as both an aesthetic and preventive solution in prolonging the life of your natural tooth.
Benefits of a dental crown
A dental crown is an all-in-one restoration that allows you to reap the following benefits:
- Cover tooth impurities, including a stained tooth or misshapen tooth
- Protect a severely damaged tooth due to tooth decay
- Hold a chip in the tooth or cracked tooth together and prevent further damage
- Cover a dental implant
- Serve as a foundation for a dental bridge
- Protect a tooth treated with root canal therapy
How to take care of your dental crown
Though your dental crown does not decay, you must take care of it like your natural tooth. With poor oral hygiene, the bacteria will find their way inside the dental crown and cause inflammation or infection and decay on the natural tooth that holds your dental crown.
Here are some crown care tips to prolong your dental crown:
- Take a pass on hard and sticky foods, as they can chip your crown or cling to the crown’s surface and lead to plaque buildup.
- Brush and floss daily to protect your teeth and gums from infection and oral diseases.
- Avoid using your teeth as a tool, and let the scissors or nail clipper do its job.
- Teeth grinding is a threat to your teeth and crown. Consult your dentist and get a night guard to prevent further damage.
- Visit your dentist regularly for maintenance cleanings and checkups. One of the responsibilities of having a crown is to keep it free from plaque and fitting problems. It’s essential to have your dentist check your dental crown from time to time to prevent complications.
Crown complications
Having a fixed dental appliance in your mouth may take some adjustments and also some complications. Here are some of the possible complications of having a dental crown:
- Temporary sensitivity: It is normal for you to experience sensitivity right after your dental crown treatment. However, if the sensitivity doesn’t subside after a week or two, you should contact your dentist immediately. There may be some remaining roots or blood vessels left inside your tooth that cause the sensitivity.
- Ill-fitting crown: Over time, the bond that attached your tooth to the crown gets loose. In some cases, the tooth inside is starting to decay, causing the dental crown to move. If you notice that your crown is moving when you chew or bite, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
- Crown falling off: Due to poor oral hygiene, some patients may never notice that the tooth that holds the crown has already started to decay. Since there are no longer any nerves inside the tooth, you are less likely to feel the decay progressing unless it triggers an infection.
- Tooth infection: A tooth infection can occur inside the crown due to a traumatized nerve, or it may begin between the fillings under a crown.
Dental restorations in Arnold, MO
Preserving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is a good strategy for your oral health. However, protecting it with a dental crown is a different story. Restore your smile and let it last for a long time with the guidance of your dentist.
Meramec Family Dentistry provides restorations like root canal therapy and dental crowns in Arnold, MO. Let us protect your teeth from the wear and tear of the daily grind and achieve a smile that lasts for a lifetime. Schedule an appointment today.
