What Happens If You Don’t Get a Crown After a Root Canal?

crowns in Seattle

Root canal therapy is a very effective method to salvage a cracked or infected tooth. It kills the infection, eliminates pain, and saves the natural tooth structure. The treatment does not end once the root canal is done. Getting crowns in Seattle or anywhere else is, in most cases, the most important next step. Omitting this stage of treatment can result in a chain of avoidable dental issues. Knowing the function of a crown following a root canal can give you the knowledge to make wise choices regarding your long-term oral wellness. 

Problems of Not Getting a Crown After Root Canal 

The following are the issues you might face if you do not get a crown after getting a root canal treatment. 

Why a Tooth Becomes Fragile After a Root Canal 

The pulp, the tooth’s soft tissue with blood vessels and nerves, is removed during a root canal. In addition to eliminating the infection, this leaves the tooth dry and hollow. The tooth loses nutrients and gradually becomes more brittle without the pulp. A crown serves as a protective covering and structural support for the compromised tooth. 

Risk of Fracture and Tooth Loss 

A tooth that has had a root canal is much more likely to break without the added strength of a crown. Cracks can form just from normal chewing and biting. When a tooth breaks into multiple pieces or below the gum line, it is often beyond repair and needs to be removed. This completely defeats the purpose of the root canal. What began as an effort to save the natural tooth may lead to a dental implant, bridge, or a gap in your smile. Getting a crown placed on time significantly reduces this risk. 

Increased Sensitivity and Discomfort 

A root canal takes out the nerve from your tooth, but that doesn’t make the area totally numb. If you don’t get a crown afterwards, the inside of the tooth might still react to hot or cold, pressure, or bacteria, which can cause discomfort or pain. Plus, without a crown sealing it up, bacteria could get back into the treated area and cause reinfection. While it’s not super common, you might need another treatment or even surgery to sort it out. 

Cosmetic and Functional Concerns 

Crowns in Seattle are common because they do more than just protect your teeth; they help make them look better too. After a root canal, your tooth might end up looking a bit off, like it’s discoloured or not in the right shape, especially if it’s one of your front teeth. If you don’t get a crown, it could mess with your smile.  

And this makes chewing feel a bit weird or uncomfortable. Plus, not fixing that unevenness might put extra stress on your other teeth or your jaw. Getting a crown back in place helps everything function like it should and keeps your smile looking natural, letting you eat and talk normally. 

Long-Term Cost of Delay 

Putting off or skipping that crown might seem like an easy way to save some money, but it can actually cause expensive problems later. If a tooth breaks or fails, you might need to have it extracted. After that, you’ll have to think about a replacement, like an implant or a bridge. Both options can be much more costly and time-consuming than just getting the crown right away. Taking steps to prevent issues is often less invasive and cheaper than handling corrective treatments later. 

Conclusion 

A root canal alone won’t save a damaged tooth. You need a crown to make sure the treatment works in the long run. A crown gives your fixed tooth full protection – it keeps it strong, comfortable, and looking good. It’s also cost-effective. If you put off getting a crown or skip it altogether, you might undo all the good from your root canal and end up with more problems. So if you’ve just had a root canal, ask your dentist when you should get a crown. Only trust proper dental specialists when getting crowns in Seattle. Because you need to keep your teeth healthy down the road.