It is important to maintain good dental hygiene and look after your teeth to prevent the formation of cavities and tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities and tooth decay can result in tooth loss. If your tooth is affected then it is likely that you will need a root canal. A root canal is a common dental procedure that is used to remove the decay from the centre of your tooth. It has a success rate of 90 to 95% and is an excellent alternative to a tooth extraction.

Following the procedure, you will need a crown to restore the function and appearance of your tooth. A porcelain dental crown is a highly recommended option by the majority of dentists. A porcelain dental crown has significant advantages. It can improve the aesthetic appearance of your tooth and overall smile, as well as protecting and reinforcing the tooth post root canal treatment.

The root canal procedure itself can weaken the structure of your tooth. A porcelain crown works to address this by covering the tooth entirely. This not only reinforces this structure of the tooth but also prevents future decay or damage.

In this article we will explain the many advantages of porcelain dental crowns as well as the risks involved. With this information you will be able to decide if it is a suitable choice for you whilst taking into consideration your budget and the process involved.

Why Dentists Recommend Porcelain Crowns After a Root Canal

The Role of a Crown in Tooth Protection

Following a root canal treatment the tooth becomes weaker because the procedure involves removing the dental pulp. The dental pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that help maintain the health of the tooth. Once this is removed the tooth is essentially dead. This is why dentists recommend placing a crown on a tooth after a root canal treatment to prevent damaging the tooth completely.

A porcelain crown is an excellent method of protecting the tooth from potential damage. It covers the entire tooth, providing a strong, durable barrier. This prevents dental health complications such as cavities or decay and also helps the tooth remain intact and functional.

The crown also helps restore the full function of your tooth. you will be able to bite and chew as normal and this will help reduce stress on other teeth and also prevent damage to the treated tooth. This is particularly important for molars, which are used for chewing and are more likely to be compromised after a root canal. A porcelain crown is designed to keep your tooth fully functioning for 10 to 15 years and with proper care this could be more..

Aesthetic and Functional Benefits

Porcelain is the preferred material of choice for dental crowns because it is renowned for its natural appearance. Porcelain crowns can be designed to match the colour, shape, and translucency of your natural teeth, to avoid drawing unwanted attention to your mouth. Your smile remains natural and unaltered, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

Porcelain dental crowns are able to restore the full functioning of your teeth. You can eat, drink and speak as you would before the root canal procedure. Unlike fillings which may not provide sufficient structural support, a porcelain crown enables you to enjoy all your favorite foods without any worry. It also helps protect your remaining teeth as it works as a sturdy support for adjacent teeth. This is very important for good oral health as well as your overall health and well-being.

Also, porcelain crowns are stain resistant. This means they maintain their natural appearance over time. They do not conduct temperature changes as metal crowns do, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. With the ability to improve the appearance of your smile, restore the function of your mouth and protect your teeth, porcelain crowns are an ideal choice after a root canal.

Assessing the Necessity of a Porcelain Crown

Factors Influencing the Decision

There are many factors to consider when deciding if a porcelain dental crown is suitable for you. Firstly the degree of damage to the tooth must be evaluated. If there is significant structural loss as a result of decay then a porcelain crown is highly necessary. This is because a filling will not be able to provide sufficient structural support to prevent damage to the tooth; rather encasing the tooth within the crown will be a more suitable option. This is particularly for molars, which are involved in chewing and more prone to fracture. Front teeth may not require a crown, particularly if they maintain enough structure and the appearance is not affected.
If you have a history of dental health issues or habits such as bruxism then you may require a crown to protect the truth against further decay or damage.

Alternative Restoration Options

A porcelain dental crown is a popular choice of tooth restoration following a root canal however if it is not suitable for you then there are many other options available.

Porcelain onlays are a suitable option which involves bonding porcelain to the damaged parts of the tooth rather than covering the entire tooth, thereby preserving more of the natural structure. As mentioned a porcelain dental crown may not be necessary for front teeth, rather a large filling or an inlay may be sufficient. These methods can restore the aesthetic appearance and function of your teeth without a full crown, however a porcelain dental crown provides greater protection and longevity.

If necessary you can have a temporary or provisional crown. These are often created at the practice on the same day to provide immediate protection and aesthetic appeal until your permanent crown is ready.

By speaking to your dentist you will be able to find out whether or not a porcelain dental crown or an alternative is more suitable for you. Your dentist will assess your individual dental requirements as well as take into consideration your personal preferences when putting together a treatment plan for you.

Risks and Benefits of Porcelain Crowns

Long-term Benefits

Porcelain crowns are a preferred option for restorative treatment because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. Porcelain is able to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Crowns are expected to last between 10 to 15 years or even longer with good dental care and regular visits to the dentist. They can be designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth and resist staining and discoloration for greater patient satisfaction.

Porcelain crowns are biocompatible which means they are non-allergenic and there should be no adverse effects. They are able to withstand temperature changes, minimising sensitivity and enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Porcelain dental crowns are an expensive restorative option. Due to the quality of the material it is typically more expensive than other materials. However longevity and aesthetic advantage makes it a worthy investment.

Modern ceramic technologies have reduced the risk of chipping or cracking, however it is important to follow your dentist’s guidelines to prevent damaging the crown.

Getting a porcelain crown involves reshaping the tooth, which may cause temporary discomfort or sensitivity. This is carried out on the local anaesthetic and you can take over the counter pain medication to reduce any pain. While the risk of a crown becoming loose has decreased thanks to improved dental adhesives, it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis so that any issues can be resolved early on.

Your tooth will look beautiful again

A porcelain dental crown is a popular method of restoring a tooth following root canal treatment. A porcelain dental crown can improve the appearance of your tooth and restore the aesthetics of your smile. It can protect your tooth from further dental health issues or damage. Also it can restore the full function of your tooth by acting as a protective shell which covers the tooth entirely.

If a porcelain crown is not suitable for restoring your tooth then you can speak to your dentist and find out about other options. Fillings and inlays can help restore the tooth although a porcelain dental crown is significantly stronger and more aesthetically pleasing. Speak to your dentist to find out the most suitable restorative option for you.