Many patients find the thought of root canal therapy daunting. It might be especially concerning for those who already have a dental crown and now require treatment of the crowned tooth. In such cases, patients might wonder: Can an endodontist perform a root canal through a crown? Read our article to learn the answer to this question and the factors that contribute to the feasibility of this procedure.
Can an Endodontist Perform a Root Canal Through a Crown?
An endodontist can perform a root canal through a natural crown of the tooth as well as through an artificial dental crown. However, in some cases, your dentist will recommend removing an artificial crown first, performing the root canal therapy, and then placing a crown on the treated tooth again.
Only after a comprehensive examination can your dentist decide if a root canal can be performed through an artificial crown without removing it in your case. The decision can depend on such factors as:
- The condition of the tooth, its structure, and the extent of the infection
- The age, condition, and integrity of the crown
- The material the crown is made of
- If the crown is sealed properly (in cases when the sealant is broken, the dental crown is to be replaced and resealed)
Even though it is possible in some cases to perform the root canal through the artificial crown, maintaining the integrity of both the crown and the tooth, there can be several risks. Factors that can prevent your dentist from performing a root canal through an artificial crown include:
- A crown might restrict access to the pulp chamber
- There is a risk of damaging the crown during the procedure that will require the crown replacement after the procedure
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment is always performed using a local anesthetic to prevent the patient from feeling any pain or discomfort. Some patients can benefit from sedation dentistry if the local anesthetic proves insufficient or if the patient has acute dental anxiety.
During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from the inner chambers of the tooth and clean the canals. Next, the canals are filled with special biocompatible dental material and sealed. In some cases, a dental crown is placed on the tooth after the root canal therapy to protect a weakened tooth from further damage.
Signs You Might Require Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is typically required in cases of severe tooth decay that affects the pulp in the inner chambers and can not be treated with a simple dental filling. Symptoms of such decay can include:
- Acute toothache
- Sensitivity to changes in temperatures of foods and drinks
- Stains and discoloration of the tooth
- Black spots on the tooth
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Swollen or red gums next to the tooth
- Pimples or cysts on the gums next to the tooth
The severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person. Also, not all the symptoms might be present simultaneously. However, even if one of the symptoms is present, we strongly recommend making an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as root canal infection can lead to tooth loss and also spread to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Root Canal Recovery
Recovery from root canal therapy typically takes several days. In the first couple of days after the procedure, common symptoms include tenderness or soreness in the area of the root canal and mild swelling in the gum. These symptoms can be remedied with over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses. Dentists also recommend rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution several times a day, especially after meals, to prevent infection.
In addition, switch to soft foods for a couple of days after the root canal therapy and try not to chew on the procedure side of the mouth. When the swelling and soreness go away, gradually return to your regular diet. Your dentist might also prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
If the pain or swelling is severe or intensifying, contact your dentist immediately. These symptoms can signify reinfection of the tooth.
Get Root Canal Treatment at Maz Endodontics
Sharp toothache is often a reason to visit an emergency endodontist. If you have any symptoms of acute dental infection, do not hesitate to make an appointment at the Maz Endodontics dental office. We look forward to your visit.