What’s the Difference Between a Root Canal and a Crown?
We experience many dental patients who are anxious about their dental visits. That’s why Dr. Apsey and his dental team in Warren, MI like to keep their dental patients informed. Today’s article covers basic dental information on the differences between a root canal and a dental crown.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Generally, root canal treatment is administered when a cavity (tooth decay) is deep and has reached the tooth’s pulp. The pulp is where the tooth’s nerves are located, and, in some cases, the nerve may be exposed, causing severe pain. Unfortunately, a filling wouldn’t prevent the infection from spreading and causing more pain.
Another reason a root canal may be needed is if the tooth has undergone some previous or current trauma. As previously mentioned, this could include the tooth being cracked or inflamed by a deep cavity. The root canal treatment desensitizes the tooth, and once completed, the tooth may become brittle and require a dental crown to strengthen the weakened tooth.
Common symptoms could include tooth/gum pain, a tooth that is tender when touched, a tooth that becomes abscessed and puss occurs either enclosed in the jawbone or draining from the mouth, or swelling occurs in the lymph nodes under the jaw.
After the root canal treatment, the tooth will continue functioning like any other. With proper oral care, the tooth could last a lifetime.
In short, a root canal may be needed when one or more of the following occurs:
- When your tooth decay is deep and is reaching the nerve
- When a tooth abscess occurs
- When a tooth has experienced some trauma
- When irreversible pulpitis occurs (the innermost tissue in your tooth is inflamed)
What is a Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering placed on a tooth to restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. A dental crown is placed on top of the tooth once a root canal has been performed. Sometimes, a crown is placed on a tooth with extensive decay but has yet to reach the pulp. When this is the case, the tooth is grown down, a dental impression is made, and a temporary crown is placed until the permanent crown is completed.
Dental crowns are made with several materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, metal, composite resin, or a combination of these materials. Your local dentist considers several factors when deciding what material to use. They include the tooth’s location, function, how much of your natural tooth is remaining, the color of the surrounding teeth, and the position of your gum tissue.
In short, a crown may be needed when one or more of the following occurs:
- When a broken tooth needs to be restored
- When added strength to the tooth is needed due to a large filling or wear
- When the cosmetic appearance of a tooth is needed
- When a dental implant needs to be covered
- When there is recurring decay around a large filling
Dr. Apsey practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry with a strong emphasis on getting to know each of his patients. If you believe you have one or more of the common symptoms for a root canal treatment or are looking for a new dental home, call the team at Smile Brightly at 586-573-7700 to schedule a dental examination. Our dental office is in Warren, Michigan.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!