Root Canals and Crowns

Root canal treatment includes the application of a tooth-colored crown to protect the structure of a treated tooth, once inner systems of teeth have been cleaned of bacteria. While effective root canal processes help prolong the life of your tooth and prevent extraction, the crown also plays an important part in making sure that your tooth is healthy and strong after treatment.

Preventing Re-Infection on Treated Teeth

During a root canal, the inner systems of a tooth are accessed through a small hole created in dental enamel. After damaged tissue inside teeth is removed and root systems are clean, your tooth can remain intact, but will be slightly more brittle, which is where a dental crown becomes important. After the access point is sealed, the crown helps to restore your treated tooth’s strength and durability, so you can still bite and chew with ease.

Proper application of your dental crowns is vital to how it is able to protect tooth structure. The margins, or area around the dental prosthetic, should be properly sealed so that bacteria cannot access your natural tooth and cause additional damage.  When crowns are placed correctly, your treated tooth can remain in place for years and is protected against re-infection.

Root Canal Retreatment: Do I Need a New Crown?

While it is less common with Dr. Nguyen’s advanced endodontic tools, it’s possible for a tooth that has been treated with a root canal to become re-infected. As mentioned, improperly sealed margins on a crown could be the culprit, or it’s possible for inner systems of teeth to have been inefficiently treated, leaving bacteria behind. It’s possible to re-treat teeth with a second root canal without removing a crown, but if the crown is the issue, root canal re-treatment and a new dental prosthetic are necessary.

Comprehensive Root Canal Therapy and Re-Treatment with Dr. Nguyen

Our unique approach to root canals incorporates the use of effective equipment that allows Dr. Nguyen to thoroughly treat inner systems of teeth and reduces the need for re-treatment in the future. We also incorporate strong and durable zirconia crowns, planned with 3D technology to ensure proper fit and lasting treatment results.

If you have questions about the root canal process or how Dr. Nguyen can help protect your smile with root canal therapy and zirconia crowns, contact our Houston dental office today.