Root Canal Crowns: What to Expect

Why Do You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?

A tooth that required a root canal is considerably more likely to fracture since it has lost much of its material, and potentially been weakened by the decay leading up to the operation. Crowns provide the additional protection needed when biting down.

The key point is not to treat the temporary filling as an end result. If your dentist advises you to get one, you can protect the already vulnerable spot on your tooth.

Does Every Root Canal Require One?

Depending on the specific tooth being worked on, the root canal itself might not necessarily require additional protection. They tend to be most commonly placed on the back of your mouth, where chewing tends to put the most pressure on your teeth.

What to Expect After Getting One

In most cases, you will have to have some part of your enamel removed so that the dentist can shape your tooth to accommodate a crown. You should not experience any sharp pain, as the area will be numb though you might feel pressure.

The dentist then places a provisional crown – a temporary addition to hold the space until your personal crown is ready.

While waiting, some patients actually find this process comparatively uncomfortable since it takes some time to adjust to the feeling of something different on the same spot that you bite with. While this usually stops after a day or two, it can take time to get used to.

The Things People Forget About Crowns

• Since these temporary crowns exist only for the duration of the construction of your permanent crown, it is important to treat yours gently – even if you cannot notice a difference otherwise. The same goes for your bite, which might feel uncomfortable for some time after the end of the procedure.

• If you feel like your bite is higher than usual – or simply uncomfortable – when you bite down, consult your dentist. They may be able to fix it right away, since a seemingly small adjustment can make a noticeable difference.

How Long Can a Root Canal Crown Last?

With proper maintenance and avoiding putting unnecessary pressure on it, they can potentially last for many years making the investment well worth the cost and the effort. And by unnecessary pressure, we mean don’t use your tooth as a bottle opener. We know people who do this.

While a root canal crown is not indestructible, it does generally hold up extremely well under normal use.

The biggest threats to its durability are teeth grinding and improper care. Both of those can negatively impact the underlying tooth structure as well, so it is best to avoid them wherever possible.

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