What Is a Crown for Tooth Decay Treatment After Root Canal Therapy? (Dental Crown)

What Is a Crown for Tooth Decay Treatment After Root Canal Therapy?

Dental crown

Reasons for crowns and types

If tooth decay has progressed deep enough to require root canal therapy,

most people

will be told,

"You now need a crown."

As the word CROWN suggests a royal crown,

a crown refers to a prosthetic restoration that covers the upper part of a tooth.

You may think that a simple restoration (such as resin or an inlay) is enough,

but after root canal therapy, a crown is necessary.

Why is that?

Reasons a dental crown is needed

If root canal therapy is needed,

it also means the inside of the tooth has already been significantly damaged.

In this case, the tooth is like an empty shell with only the outer wall remaining,

so it can break easily even during everyday chewing.

Prevention of fracture from impact:

The pressure that builds up each time you chew food can crack the tooth wall.

Preservation of the natural tooth:

Without a crown, there is a high risk that the tooth will eventually need to be extracted.

Restoration of function:

It helps distribute chewing force normally so the tooth can be used for a long time.

In other words, a crown

acts as the "last shield" that protects a tooth weakened by root canal therapy.

Types of dental crowns

Three materials are commonly used.

• PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal):

The inside is made of metal, and the outside is made of porcelain.

The price is reasonable and the strength is high,

but the metal may show, so it is mainly used for molars.

• Zirconia:

Made from an artificial diamond material,

it offers both strength and aesthetics.

It is suitable for visible areas such as the front teeth,

but there may be a risk of fracture in some cases.

• Gold:

Made from a gold alloy,

it is the strongest and lasts the longest.

It has a low risk of loosening or fracture,

but because of its color, it is mainly used for molars where aesthetics are less important.

Dental crown process and timeline

The usual period from root canal therapy to a crown is

usually about one month to one and a half months.

Root canal therapy (2 to 4 visits, 1- to 2-week intervals)

Taking impressions and placing a temporary crown

Fabrication of the final prosthesis (takes 1 to 2 weeks)

Placement of the final crown

During treatment, a temporary crown is used,

so it is best to avoid hard foods.

Even after the final crown is placed,

regular checkups and scaling are needed for maintenance.

Just because a crown has been placed

does not mean cavities will no longer develop,

so oral hygiene management is essential.

Nearby dental clinic for crowns

For patients who lack time, such as office workers or students,

schedule coordination is important,

and Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic reduces the burden of treatment

with evening and weekend care.

Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic also has

specialists in prosthodontics, as well as

orthodontics, conservative dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery,

so patient-tailored care is possible.

In addition to cavity treatment,

it is a nearby dental clinic that can provide integrated treatment,

including implants, orthodontics, and wisdom tooth extraction.

Experience a new smile and a new beginning at Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic.

• This post is an article presented by a medical institution due to a contractual relationship with a third party and includes medical information.