Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over natural teeth to provide protection. Crowns are commonly used to help restore chipped or broken teeth. They cover the damaged tooth and protect it from further chipping or cracking. You can also use dental crowns after a root canal treatment. Below are some benefits of dental crowns on a root canal tooth.
Prevent Tooth Fracture
Root canal treatments usually involve removing the infected pulp, dentin, and enamel. Teeth with extensive decay lose more tissue. Therefore, even after getting fillings, your teeth will still be weak. As a result, they are more likely to fracture in the future, especially due to poor dental health habits. Dental crowns protect root canal teeth from fracturing, chipping, and cracking.
The standard material used in making dental crowns is porcelain. This material is strong and safe, and it mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. Your dentist will make custom crown caps that fit perfectly on your teeth without affecting your bite. These crowns are permanent restorations; therefore, they offer long-term protection when well cared for.
Preserve Natural Teeth
As aforementioned, root canal teeth are weaker than natural teeth. Therefore, without protection, these teeth may wear over time. Poor oral hygiene can cause reinfection. When this happens, salvaging the tooth may be impossible. For severe infection and decay, you have to extract the tooth and explore other treatments such as dentures and implants.
A dental crown can preserve your teeth by reducing the risk of reinfection. Since the material is synthetic, it cannot decay. The part of the tooth covered by the crown is also protected from decay. However, poor oral hygiene can cause plaque buildup on the uncovered portion of the tooth. Regular dental cleanings are necessary to preserve the teeth and reduce the risk of cavities.
Improve Oral Aesthetics
Traditional root canal fillings are made of dental amalgam. Amalgam is a mixture of liquid mercury and metal alloy, and it has a black or silver color. After filling a root canal tooth, the black or silver color may ruin your dental aesthetics. When you smile or talk, people can tell that you have dental fillings.
If you are concerned about oral aesthetics after a root canal, you should use a dental crown over your tooth. Crowns come in a variety of colors to match the exact shade of your teeth. Therefore, you don't have to worry about one tooth standing out in your mouth.
Dental crowns are great restorations for protecting root canal teeth and improving their visual appeal. For dental crown treatment, consult your dentist.
