Root canal treatment is a proven way to cure infection inside a tooth and prevent tooth loss, with success rates reaching as high as 95%. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you might wonder what happens afterward.
One of the most common questions patients at Kathryn Jodry, DDS, ask is whether they’ll need a crown after a root canal. The short answer is yes, probably, but let’s break down why.
We perform root canal treatment on teeth that are badly decayed, infected, or damaged. Instead of removing the whole tooth, we remove the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), disinfect the area, and seal it to stop pain and prevent further infection.
Patients are glad to hear they can keep their natural tooth, but the root canal is just the first part of the process.
Following a root canal, your tooth can become more brittle and prone to breaking. That’s because we remove the pulp that once supplied nutrients and moisture to the tooth. Also, many teeth that need root canals already have large fillings or damage from decay, making them weaker.
A dental crown is a protective cap that covers your tooth, holding everything together and keeping it secure. The crown helps restore strength, shape, and appearance while protecting the tooth from further damage.
Whether or not you need a crown after a root canal depends on the following factors:
Back teeth (molars and premolars) do a lot of chewing and usually need crowns to handle the pressure. Front teeth may not always need one if the structure is still strong.
If the tooth has lost a lot of structure due to decay or damage, you’ll likely need a crown to restore it.
If you grind your teeth or have a strong bite, we may recommend a crown to prevent cracks or fractures.
During your visit, Dr. Jodry assesses your tooth and lets you know the best option for protecting your long-term oral health.
Skipping a crown when you need one can lead to serious problems. The tooth might crack, break, or become reinfected. If the damage is severe enough, you may need an extraction, generating new problems.
The gap causes deterioration of the jawbone underneath and shifts in your teeth that lead to misalignments, not to mention the additional cost of an extraction and needing treatments like dental implants to replace the missing tooth.
That’s why placing a crown at the right time is so important. It gives your tooth the support it needs to stay healthy for years.
Getting a crown is a routine procedure that usually takes two visits. During the first visit, we shape your tooth to make room for the crown, take impressions, and then fit a temporary crown for protection.
We send the tooth impressions to a dental lab that makes your custom crown. At your second visit, we fit and place your permanent crown, making sure it feels comfortable and looks natural. Crowns can consist of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mix, depending on your needs and preferences.
At Kathryn Jodry, DDS, we make your crown look and feel like a real tooth, so you can smile, eat, and talk confidently. A dental crown can last 10 years and often longer with proper care. Brushing, flossing, regular checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth all help extend its life.
If you’re facing a root canal or have questions about crowns, call Kathryn Jodry, DDS, or use our online form. We’re happy to help you keep your smile strong, healthy, and beautiful.
