Why a Crown Restoration after Root Canal Treatment?

·      Strength-Teeth that have had root canal treatment can be fragile because a large amount of tooth structure is removed during the process. A crown restoration provides strength that resists further fracturing of the tooth.

·      Good Seal-Crown restoration provides a good seal to prevent leakages and recurrent decay.

·      Durability-Strong and resistant to fracture and wear.

·      Longevity-five to fifteen years+. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and how well the patient follows good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist as recommended.

If you have further questions regarding the different types of crowns that are appropriate for your dental needs, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit our website at www.annaleedds.com

Dr. Lee & staff wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2015!

A Tooth’s need for Root Canal Treatment vs. Crown Restoration

Teeth that have been seriously compromised by cracks, breakage and presence of tooth decay may cause the pulp (living tissues) to be inflamed or infected.  The pulp contains the living tissues, such as the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. "They supply the nutrients and sensations (hot & cold) to the tooth," says Dr. Anna Lee.

Cracked teeth or teeth with deep decay allow bacteria to enter the pulp. Bacteria can cause an infection inside the tooth.  Infection builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone and forms a "pus-pocket" called an abscess. An abscess can cause damage to the bone surrounding the tooth.

Symptoms of inflamed/infected pulp can be pain when chewing food, biting pressure and sensitivity to temperatures (hot and cold foods).

Dr. Lee states, "a Root Canal Treatment is needed to remove the inflamed/infected pulp of the tooth."  The canals are cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. A full coverage crown restoration is usually the final restoration for the tooth.

Why Not do a Filling? Because …

 Broken tooth/filling-placing a large filling on a broken tooth may add more stress onto the tooth and cause it to break and be irreparable.

Cracked tooth-a crack can be above or below the gum line. A crack above the gum line can be restored with a crown restoration. A filling cannot restore the crack. "A crack below the gum line may mean the need for root canal treatment or possibly extraction," says Dr. Anna Lee.

Large filling-replacing a filling on a tooth that is larger than the original filling may cause it to break or fracture.

Tooth decay-depending on the size or location of the tooth decay, a filling may be the choice of the restoration. If the filling breaks or fails, a crown restoration is the appropriate treatment.

Teeth that have had root canal treatment can become weak and brittle, meaning they can break easily. Restoring the tooth with a filling is usually a temporary treatment. A crown restoration is the final treatment.

Why do I need a Crown?

A crown restoration may be needed in the following conditions:

·      broken tooth

·      cracked tooth

·      broken filling

·      large filling

·      tooth decay

·      tooth after root canal treatment

Not sure if a crown is the right fit for you. Contact Dr. Anna Lee today for more information.