A root canal is a procedure that removes damaged tissue from the interior of the tooth. The dentist then seals the gap, leaving the tooth in your mouth but not as strong as it used to be<\/p>\r\n
A crown is needed to distribute the pressure from chewing in back teeth, preventing all of it from going into one area.<\/p>\r\n
Crowns are not always necessary, particularly in the case of a front tooth, so long as the rest of the tooth’s structure is sound.<\/p>\r\n
However, dentists tend to advocate for crowns for molars due to the pressures they undergo during chewing.<\/p>\r\n
While the bite pressure in the front teeth is less, the likelihood of a molar cracking is higher as it is used for grinding food.<\/p>\r\n
Your dentist will usually place a temporary filling while the tooth heals, and then make plans for the permanent crown. It is not advised that you wait too long for the permanent crown, as a root canal treated tooth is more likely to crack unexpectedly, and with potentially devastating results.<\/p>\r\n
The dentist will examine the tooth to see where they can best position the crown, shaping it so that it fits precisely. They will take an impression or a scan of the tooth, and send it to a lab, or use an in office machine to fabricate the crown, depending on the practice.<\/p>\r\n
Depending on how long the process takes, you may have to return to the dentist for your permanent crown.<\/p>\r\n
During that waiting period you’ll usually have a crown or filling. Treat it gently. Sticky foods are particularly good at finding dental works weak spots.<\/p>\r\n
The crown procedure should not hurt as the site will be numbed, but you may feel pressure as the dentist works.<\/p>\r\n
After the procedure, discomfort around the tooth or the gum is possible, as is sensitivity when biting down for a while. If the tooth is high when you bite down tell your dentist. A tiny adjustment can make all the difference.<\/p>\r\n
You’ll want to keep brushing every day, as the crown only covers the surface of the tooth. Problems can still arise with the gum around the tooth.<\/p>\r\n
Flossing around the crown is important, but you may want to be gentle if the gum is sore.<\/p>\r\n
If it feels like your crown is loose or coming off, or if it suddenly becomes painful, you should go see your dentist, instead of waiting for it to fall out.<\/p>\r\n
A crown doesn’t make the tooth impervious to issues, so decay can still occur around the edges if you don’t properly care for the crown. The tooth can also crack under pressure.<\/p>\r\n
If you’re experiencing intense pain or swelling, a bad taste in your mouth or a crown that suddenly feels loose, contact your dentist. Those aren’t things you want to wait on for a week.<\/p>\r\n