After a root canal, a treated tooth needs protection. While a filling may be sufficient in some cases, a dental crown is the best way to restore a tooth after root canal therapy.
About Root Canals
A root canal is a straightforward, routine procedure that relieves pain and preserves a natural tooth from extraction. A root canal may be necessary if the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or experiences infection.
Patients who need root canals often experience painful symptoms like toothache and excess sensitivity to heat and cold. Root canals provide rapid relief and allow the patient to eat, sleep, and relax without discomfort.
How a Root Canal Works
To begin a root canal, the dentist first administers a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort. The dentist makes a small opening in the tooth's crown and removes the pulp. Using special tools, the dentist then removes pulp from the root canals.
They refill the tooth and root canals with a biocompatible material to prevent contamination and repeated infections.
After the procedure, your dentist will provide a temporary crown to preserve and protect your tooth until the permanent crown arrives from the laboratory.
Reasons Why Root Canal-Treated Teeth Need Crowns
After a root canal, teeth treated with crowns last longer. They provide better chewing ability and are less likely to need repeated repairs than teeth with fillings alone.
After a root canal, your teeth need support to maintain their structure. A filling may be sufficient for a front tooth or a tooth that does not exert significant bite force, but it is not generally suitable in the molars or premolars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
What are the signs that I may need a root canal?
- Severe toothache that comes and goes, especially when chewing or biting
- Lingering and severe sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Pimple-like swelling on the gums (dental abscess)
- Fever, chills, or other infection symptoms
- Pus along the gum line
- Discolored (gray or black) tooth
If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your dentist immediately. The sooner you have a root canal, the more likely your dentist can save your tooth from extraction.
Is a root canal uncomfortable?
Over the years, the root canal procedure has improved. Today, patients report that getting a root canal feels about the same as a large filling. Getting a root canal relieves pain and preserves your tooth for future use.
Call Glassman Dental Care
A crown is generally the best choice when restoring a tooth after a root canal. A crown protects the tooth's health and structure and provides excellent chewing and biting functions.
Putting off a root canal may lead to further complications. If you need a root canal, please call us as soon as possible at 212-787-4860 to schedule an appointment.