How Soon After My Root Canal Do I Need a Dental Crown?

When you have terrible tooth pain, a root canal may be the right treatment. You probably have a lot of questions about this intervention. The more you know going into it, the more at ease and comfortable you can feel. The procedure has several steps, with the end goal of removing severe decay and infection from the pulp chamber. Your dentist will work to thoroughly clean out the affected tooth and make sure the infection does not spread throughout your mouth.

The importance of having this treatment

Even if a person brushes regularly and practices good oral health, infection is still possible. Ignoring toothaches, sensitive teeth and swollen gums could lead to more significant problems in a person’s mouth. With timely intervention, the dentist can catch the issues before they develop into additional health concerns. The root canal will disinfect the tooth and help preserve it. Patients who put off this treatment could lose the affected tooth.

Getting ready for the procedure

The root canal professional will conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth to verify the endodontic treatment is the right response to the oral issue. This will include a series of X-rays to determine the severity of the infection and decay. The nerves in the affected tooth will likely be dead, but the dentist will still inject a local anesthetic into the patient’s mouth. This will numb any pain and can help ease the patient’s worries and anxiety.

The root canal procedure

Once the patient’s mouth and teeth are numb, the dentist will start the treatment. First, the dentist will drill into the tooth and remove the infected pulp chamber. Inside this area are the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. Without the pulp, the tooth can still be strong because it will rely on surrounding tissue for nourishment. The remaining processes include:

  • Disinfecting the area to kill the infection
  • Removing residual decay
  • Sealing the tooth
  • Placing a crown on the tooth, if necessary

When to use a crown

Serious infections can cause fractures and chips in a tooth. Without restorative work, the tooth will not be strong enough to withstand chewing and other impacts. The crown will help bolster the tooth and allow the patient to continue eating and talking normally. Not all endodontic procedures will require a crown.

When the crown will be in place

The dentist will decide the right time to place the crown on the repaired tooth. Some dentists prefer to put the crown on immediately following the procedure, while others may wait until a subsequent appointment. The more severe the crack or break, the timelier it will be to do the crown. Also, the dentist will delay the placement if the patient is still feeling pain in the tooth.

Make an appointment

You may not think of endodontic treatment as anything but uncomfortable. However, your dentist has the training and knowledge to make this as pain-free as possible. Regardless if you need a crown, your dentist can help you avoid continued pain and discomfort. Call today for an evaluation.

Request an appointment here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com or call Total Care Dentistry & Implants at (760) 394-3088 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Tooth Extraction And Oral Health: Long-Term Implications

Tooth extraction can relieve pain and discomfort, remove immediate threats to oral health, and open the door to more functional tooth replacements. While we strive to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, sometimes extractions are necessary. With the help of a general dentist, learn why there is no need to fear having…

Treating Gum Disease With Tooth Extraction

General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural teeth. However, tooth extraction may be the only solution when gum disease becomes severe. A dentist can perform this oral health-saving procedure and recommend options to restore fullness to a patient's smile.Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an oral health…

Dental Restoration: Restoring Strength, Function, And Beauty To Your Smile

Dental restoration refers to treatments focused on repairing or replacing damaged teeth, restoring their strength and appearance. When teeth become damaged, decayed, or lost, it affects daily activities such as eating and speaking while also increasing the risk of further oral health issues. A healthy smile is more than just an aesthetic feature; it is…

Tips For Post-Tooth Extraction Care

If the dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, it is probably the only way to restore oral health. This may happen if the tooth has suffered severe structural damage, and a restoration option like crown or root canal treatment would not be enough to save the tooth. Post-tooth extraction care is essential for quick healing…

Total Care Dentistry & Implants

Share
Published by
Total Care Dentistry & Implants

Recent Posts

Tooth Extraction and Oral Health: Long-Term Implications

Tooth extraction can relieve pain and discomfort, remove immediate threats to oral health, and open…

2 days ago

Treating Gum Disease With Tooth Extraction

General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural…

1 week ago

Dental Restoration: Restoring Strength, Function, and Beauty to Your Smile

Dental materials and technology advancements have made restorative treatments more durable, comfortable, and natural-looking than…

2 weeks ago

Tips for Post-Tooth Extraction Care

If the dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, it is probably the only way to…

2 weeks ago

How To Prevent Complications After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures in dentistry. This article discusses extraction…

4 weeks ago

The Importance of Deep Cleaning for Gum Health and Long-Term Oral Care

Maintaining optimal oral health involves more than daily brushing and flossing.

4 weeks ago