Having a root canal can mean an end to significant dental pain and an inability to enjoy a wide range of healthy foods. But many people have questions about the root canal treatment process, especially when it comes to having a dental crown placed as the final step.
At 2K Dental, we view our role as partners in your dental health journey. Dr. Klobas and Dr. Kontoveros understand that many people have questions and concerns about their treatment plan and are happy to take the time to explain the steps involved as well as treatment alternatives.
For residents of the Cleveland and Akron areas who are thinking about root canal therapy, we’re here to provide a little more insight into why crowns are so important.
Many people don’t realize that teeth are filled with living tissues. That’s understandable, since the visible portion of your teeth is made of hard tissue.
In reality, however, the inner portion of your teeth contains living tissues, including nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
This is called dental pulp, and it provides essential nutrients and support while your teeth are developing. Once all of your adult teeth are fully emerged, pulp is less important, and your teeth can survive without it.
Because your pulp is alive, it’s also subject to infection. When bacteria enter the inner chamber of a tooth and begin to multiply, there’s very little space for expansion. The nerve tissue within the tooth quickly begins sending pain signals to your brain, and your body struggles to fight off the infection in such a small space with limited blood flow.
A root canal treats an infected tooth by removing all traces of pulp and filling the hollow chambers of the tooth with a special dental material called gutta-percha. This work is all done through a tiny opening in the tooth and incredibly slim dental instruments.
Once we remove your pulp and replace it with gutta-percha, a filling closes the small opening. At this point, the infection has been eliminated and the tooth has been restored.
But a tooth that has had a root canal has gone through structural changes. It no longer has the same strength and durability as it did before the infection. To protect the tooth and prevent further damage, an additional layer of protection is needed.
That’s where a dental crown comes in to save the day. Crowns cover all of the visible portions of a tooth using durable materials that are secured to your natural tooth tissue. Once a crown is in place, it enables you to bite down normally without placing the tooth at risk.
Dental crowns are absolutely necessary for molars that have had root canal therapy.
In some cases, a front tooth that has a root canal may not need a crown. Each restoration is unique, but your dentist knows when a crown might be an optional part of your treatment plan.
Long gone are the days when patients were expected to just accept their dentist’s advice without question. At 2K Dental, we understand that dental care is a highly personal matter and that you may have questions or concerns about how to move forward with treatment.
You should never feel self-conscious about asking for more information or exploring treatment alternatives. We’re here to help you find the treatment path that best aligns with your needs, and there is time built into every appointment for you to talk with us about what to expect and how to make the most of your dental health.
When you’re ready to discuss root canal therapy, just reach out to our office by phone during normal business hours to schedule a consultation. We also offer easy online booking that’s available around the clock.
