If infection or decay has impacted the inside of your tooth, your dentist must either consider extraction or choose root canal therapy. Also known as RCT, root canal therapy is one of the most straightforward endodontic treatments to protect a tooth from extraction. The procedure is completed in three to four sessions, and you will receive local anesthesia during the treatment. If RCT is successful, your dentist will usually suggest getting a crown. If you are visiting a clinic for cosmetic dentistry in Fort Walton Beach, here’s what you need to know.
Dental crowns explained
A crown or cap is a fixed dental appliance that covers and encases the entire tooth. After root canal treatment, the tooth is weak and hollow from the inside, which makes it extremely prone to breakage and injury. A crown is often the best way to avoid further decay and complications. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons, such as to restore the shape of one or more teeth. If you have broken or fractured teeth or there are big fillings that don’t look just as good, crowns can help fix these concerns.
What are crowns made of?
Dental crowns are made of different materials, but porcelain ones are generally preferred. Porcelain crowns can be ordered to match the natural color of your teeth and can last for as long as 15 years.
Getting a crown after RCT
It is not unusual to feel pain for a few days after root canal therapy. If your doctor has suggested antibiotics, you must schedule an appointment after you complete the dosage. During the first appointment, your dentist may buff the tooth to make room for the crown. They will take impressions of your tooth to create molds. In some cases, a temporary crown is fixed to the tooth, but the final cap will come from a dental lab, which can take two weeks or more. Your dentist will ensure that the tooth has healed before fixing the crown.
Are dental crowns permanent?
A dental crown is a restorative appliance, and like most others, it must be replaced at some point. If your crown falls off or becomes loose, consider it an emergency, and book an appointment immediately. Ensure you preserve the crown in an airtight container until you see the dentist. Crowns can be fixed back in place, but if it’s broken, a replacement will be ordered again.
