Did you know you can receive a root canal on a crowned tooth? While root canals usually aren’t the most popular dental treatment, which is unfair, they help save your damaged tooth. When infection, injury, or decay harms your tooth, your dentist might proceed with root canal treatment. Sometimes, though, a tooth with a dental crown might require a root canal; is it even possible? To know the detailed answer, read this blog. We will talk about the root canal on a crowned tooth!
When is Root Canal on a Crowned Tooth Necessary
So, why does the need for a root canal on a crowned tooth even occur? Well, to answer, you might be applying constant pressure on your teeth. Over time, the tooth starts crumbling under pressure, and problems such as cracks, fissures, eroding enamel, etc., start appearing. This might allow bacteria into your tooth, and the dental pulp becomes infected. If you leave the infection untreated, pain and inflammation are sure to follow. You can avoid this issue altogether by opting for a root canal, which treats the infection by getting rid of the infected pulp and cleaning the tooth of bacteria. Once the procedure is complete, the dental specialist will seal the affected tooth with the help of gutta-percha, followed by a dental filling.
In some instances, a weakened tooth is covered using a dental crown. If this tooth requires a root canal, you can definitely go for it. Dentists add the crown to protect your tooth, but if the pulp becomes infected, it could mean there was a problem with the fitting of the cap. Or, perhaps, the crown is quite old, and that is why bacteria were able to sneak in.
Whatever the reason was for your crowned tooth to become infected, your dental specialist or endodontist can resolve it.
Can I Have a Root Canal With a Crown?
To answer, yes, you can undergo a root canal on a crowned tooth. The main objective of a dental crown is to save your tooth, which means the endodontist can remove it before the root canal procedure. After they have removed the infected pulp and performed the procedure as needed, you will not experience any pain thanks to anesthesia. When you have recovered, your tooth will start functioning as usual.
However, there are certain situations where a root canal cannot be performed on a crowned tooth, including:
- If your tooth has advanced decay or damage
- The dental crown has undergone damage while the procedure was ongoing
- The tooth has an additional problem, which will probably mean you need to undergo extraction.
What is the Takeaway?
You can receive root canal on a crowned tooth if the dental pulp becomes infected — except in certain situations when there is advanced decay, damaged crown, or a need for tooth extraction. Vintage Smile Family Dentistry can help you regain the health of your teeth at 10300 Louetta Rd Ste 132, Houston, TX 77070, United States. Dial (281) 251-7770 to book an appointment today!