Root Canals provide immediate relief from the pain associated with infection or decay, while Dental Crowns offer long-term protection for your teeth. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and the advice of your dentist.
Dental crowns can improve the shape and color of your teeth and last five to fifteen years on average. Root canals are only used if there is decay, injury, or damage. It isn't always indicated that you will need a crown over a root canal.
Some breaks and chips do not open up the pulp chamber and these do not require a root canal. Since the enamel is often broken off during such injuries, the tooth needs to be protected by a crown to prevent sensitivity.
But, what many do not realize is that sometimes it is possible to get decay under a dental crown. This can happen if all of the infected tissue was not taken out of the root, or if the crown was not placed correctly, allowing bacteria to cause decay. If decay gets under a crown, it might need to be replaced.
Your dentist may recommend a root canal when your tooth shows signs of infection or significant pulpal nerve damage. When a tooth is cracked or has a significant cavity, bacteria is able to enter the pulp, and if left untreated, can lead to serious infection, bone loss, or the loss of the tooth itself.
Cons: Weakens teeth
Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy can end up weaker than they originally were. The technique involves drilling a hole into the tooth, which weakens its structure.
Also, patients might need two to three visits to get root canals on upper first molars. Upper first molars have three to five root canals, and each one must be treated, which takes longer to complete. Root canals can also cause discomfort to the mouth and jaw, as they will have to remain open the entire procedure.
There are a few different reasons why your teeth may turn black after receiving a dental crown. The most common reason is that the dye used to colour your teeth during the fitting process has leached into the underlying tissue and has stained the tooth.
A dead tooth can still be functional after treatment, as most of the tooth is still intact. However, because dead teeth can be more brittle, some people may need to have a crown fitted, which will provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
In most cases, a black line forms because the metal from the crown is showing through. Since older dental crowns are typically made of porcelain fused to metal, the metal will eventually become exposed as the gumline moves and recedes over time.
Dentists use crowns if the original tooth is cracked, chipped, or broken; if it requires a filling that's too large for the tooth to support; if it has too much decay or is too worn; or if it's extremely discolored or misshapen. A tooth is also crowned to cover a dental implant or hold a bridge in place.
A permanent restoration is required after a root canal is performed on a tooth. The location of the tooth will determine what restoration will be recommended. Most teeth will require some type of crown, although there are exceptions where just a filling may be placed.
Overall, root canal therapy is easier and time-saving. Endodontic treatment has a high rate of success, with results that last a lifetime. With minimum time and discomfort, your tooth can be saved. And, no bridge, denture, or even implant will feel exactly like your natural tooth.
Teeth that receive a root canal and then a filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last about 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal last about 6.5 years.
While some slight discomfort may occur during and immediately after the procedure, pain is usually minimal and very easily managed.
In a word, Yes! The tooth is dead after root canal treatment. It is barely a shell with all nerves and tissues that were infected are removed. There should not be any pain after the root canal treatment.
When the nerve is severely inflamed by bacterial from deep cavities, a root canal removes the living portion of the tooth and does kill the nerve. This is only done when the tooth nerve is beyond healing and cannot repair itself. Severe pain and sensitivity to cold and hot can be indications the tooth cannot heal.
Over time the cement wears down, leaving space for material like bacteria and food to enter. This bacteria can lead to a bad smell. Space for bacteria to flourish can also occur if a crown becomes loose for any reason.
On average, at least a fourth (about 2 millimeters) of natural tooth material needs to remain for a dental crown to be attached. This means that a crown is a possibility for many patients.
However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that this approach is merely a temporary fix. Be Careful! Though you can eat after your dental crown falls off, you should try to limit yourself to liquids and soft foods.
Root canal dangers for long-term health
The bacteria from your gums or the remnants of your infected tooth can easily spread through your bloodstream to the rest of your body and cause systemic problems.
The thought of having a root canal treatment for a deep infection may cause you to avoid the procedure for as long as possible. However, not only can the infection get worse, but it can also lead to additional serious oral and general health complications.