The Need for Dental Crowns after a Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a proven procedure that can end the discomfort of an infected tooth and dental root. In many cases, it may be the only way to save the remaining healthy structure of your tooth. Your dentist will remove all bacteria and debris from the inner chamber and root canals, and he will complete the procedure by placing a dental crown. At our Corpus Christi practice, we finish all root canal procedures with highly lifelike dental crowns made with the latest digital technology.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

When harmful oral bacteria linger in your mouth, they develop into plaque, which interacts with the sugars in food to form acids. The acids strip minerals from your dental enamel, leading to enamel erosion. If this process goes untreated, the acid will eventually eat into the very structure of the tooth, and bacteria will spread to the inner pulp, as well as the dental roots. Bacteria may also infect the gum tissue, leading to an abscess. Typically, this condition causes immense discomfort, although some patients may be completely unaware of a root canal infection, meaning bacteria will continue to run rampant and spread to the gums and nearby teeth.

How Is a Root Canal Performed?

To perform a root canal, your dentist will first clean out the inside of your tooth, removing all infected pulp and any bacteria that linger around your dental roots. Then he will carefully reshape the inside of your tooth before filling it with a rubber compound called gutta percha. Finally, he will finish the procedure by placing a filling or a dental crown.

Why Dental Crowns?

A staple of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, crowns are typically an important component of a root canal procedure. In some instances, if your tooth has only suffered minor damage, you may only require a filling. However, in the majority of cases, crowns perform both practical and cosmetic functions:

• When the roots are removed, the tooth no longer receives nutrients. Over time it will become very fragile. By placing a crown on the damaged tooth, your dentist can protect it from structural damage.
• Many times, the dentist must remove a large portion of the tooth to eliminate all bacteria. When this happens a crown can help the tooth to function normally.
• A crown can also enhance the appearance of your tooth, particularly if you have had a large portion of the tooth removed.

About Our Dental Crowns

Dr. Orchard proudly uses CEREC technology to fabricate lifelike dental crowns in the office. He will take a series of digital impressions of your tooth, and this data will feed directly into a computerized milling system. In just a few minutes, the machine can fabricate restorations that are an almost perfect match to your existing teeth. CEREC crowns are made of highly lifelike porcelain that reflects light much like natural teeth. This porcelain also comes in a variety of shades and your cosmetic dentist will help you choose the shade that most closely matches your smile. Additionally, because the restorations are made here in our office, in many cases we can place a crown immediately after root canal treatment, meaning you will not have to come in for multiple visits or deal with the hassle of a temporary filling.

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Perry Orchard offers a variety of restorative dentistry treatments, including root canal therapy, crowns, dental implants, and more. If you are suffering from the discomfort of an infected tooth, don’t wait another day to get the relief you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about root canals or our other restorative options.