Root Canal Crowns: A Pre-Treatment Checklist

Start With the Tooth Itself

Before planning a crown for a tooth, your dentist will want to make sure that the root canal is properly healed and that the tooth is a good candidate for restoration.

An x-ray or examination of the roots and surrounding area may be necessary to determine if there is any infection. Infections or other issues should be addressed before a crown is placed.

Additionally, if the tooth is still causing you pain, let your dentist know. Although some pain is expected, if there is continued discomfort, a more thorough examination is appropriate.

What to Confirm at the Appointment

• Root canal confirmation: At the very least, the dentist should be able to confirm that a root canal does not need to be performed at the time of the surgery, especially if symptoms are not subsiding.

• Overall condition of the tooth: The condition of the tooth in general is also a consideration, as a severely broken down tooth may need additional reinforcement prior to placing a crown.

• Bite: A bite test, though seemingly insignificant, is also a factor in determining whether the crowned tooth will be comfortable to use.

Sort Out Your Medical Information

The dentist will also need to know about any medical conditions which may impact the procedure, including regular medication or a chronic illness. Conditions which affect healing in particular should be disclosed, as they might impact the success of the procedure.

Some people have issues with routine dental procedures due to medical conditions, so informing the dentist or dental hygienist in advance is always a good idea. It prevents both you and the dental professionals from spending the entire appointment trying to get you to relax.

Check the Plan for the Crown

Ask the dentist what kind of crown is recommended and why. Considering the location of the tooth is an important part of choosing a crown, so asking about the differences between the materials is a good idea, especially if the tooth is molars.

Front teeth are generally more cosmetically appealing, but they also endure less of a workload than their back counterparts.

What to Do Prior to Having a Crown Placed

Brushing the tooth is encouraged to keep it as clean as possible prior to having a crown placed. Unless instructed otherwise by the dentist, regular brushing and flossing should be performed, including the temporary filling, if there is one.

On the day of the appointment, eat a normal meal unless otherwise instructed. If sedation is being used, make sure to follow the fasting guidelines set by the dental professionals.

One Last Conversation Prior to Sitting Down

Prior to having the tooth crowned, make sure that you understand what will happen regarding a high tooth or a loose temporary crown. You may also want to ask about what to do if there is pain following the appointment.

This way, you don’t have to spend the entire procedure or recovery period worrying about the potential outcomes.

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