
Can you get a crown without a root canal?
If you have a dental problem, you may be wondering which dental procedure is right for you. For a severely decayed tooth, you can consider getting a root canal. For minor damages such as tooth chipping or discoloration, your dentist may suggest getting a dental crown.
If the tooth is severely damaged, your dentist is likely to recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it with restorative procedures such as dental implants and bridges. However, if you have a damaged tooth and wonder whether you need a crown, root canal, or both, this article guides you on what to expect.
For professional examination and guidance, Contact Town Square Dental. During the consultation, the dentist will examine your tooth and advise on the best course of action.
Is Root Canal Necessary Before a Crown?
Not necessarily. A dental crown can solve numerous dental issues without the need for a root canal. On the other hand, a dental crown may be necessary after a root canal treatment.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are oral prosthetics, also referred to as caps, which are used to repair a damaged tooth. Dental issues that dental crowns can solve include;
- A weakened tooth
- A chipped or broken tooth
- A discolored tooth
- To support a dental bridge
What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is a dentistry treatment that seeks to repair a decayed tooth. During the treatment, the dentist removes the decayed tissues and nerves from the infected pulp. The dentist then cleans and disinfect the tooth to prevent further decay. The dentist may also need to place a dental crown on the tooth.
When Is Root Canal and a Dental Crown Necessary?
In most cases, both a root canal and a dental crown are necessary if your teeth are decayed. In such a case, your dentist will have to remove the decay first through a root canal. This will also prevent the decay from worsening or spreading to other teeth.
After the root canal procedure, a dental crown is needed to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage. However, if a dental crown is placed on a decayed tooth, the decay can worsen and spread, leading to further complications.
Dental Problems Where Root Canal and Dental Crowns are Necessary?
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you may likely need a root canal before getting a dental crown.
- Persistent Pain
If you have severe and consistent tooth pain, it’s a sign that you need a root canal and a dental crown. In most cases, a toothache is a sign of a decayed or infected pulp or filling. To repair and prevent further damage, a root canal and dental crowning may be necessary.
- Sensitivity To Heat and Cold
If your tooth hurts when you consume hot or cold food or drinks, it can signify that the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth are infected. In such a situation, the dentist may have to remove the infected tissue and fill the tooth through a root canal. A crown is then placed to provide further protection and stability.
- Tooth Discoloration
While many factors may cause tooth discoloration, the major contributing factors are infected pulp, food stains, and smoking. If your tooth is infected, a root canal and a dental crown are needed. In most cases, tooth discoloration due to an infected pulp is accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity and toothaches.
- Swollen Gums
If you have swollen gums around a sensitive or painful tooth, you likely need a root canal treatment. In most cases, an infected pulp produces acidic waste products, which can cause swelling around the gums.
Dental Procedures That Require Dental Crowns Without a Root Canal
Below are cases when you may need a dental crown without a root canal treatment:
- To strengthen and provide stability for a weakened tooth
- To support a dental bridge
- To cover a dental implant
- To improve the appearance of a discolored tooth
- To cover a broken or chipped tooth
- To cover a filling
Final Verdict
Getting a dental crown does not always require a root canal and vice versa. To know which dental procedures are appropriate for you, contact Town Square Dental to speak with a specialist today.