Dr. Kopal Vij

A Crown is the final step in a root canal procedure. It involves placing a crown to cap the tooth and as a structural reinforcement to improve the tooth’s functionality, protect it, and prevent it from breaking. 

Root canals can last for quite some time, even without a crown.

Prompt treatment of an infected tooth offers better results than waiting till an infection worsens and spreads further into the jaw. A tooth that is relatively intact and has a healthy structure may not need a crown. A more infected tooth that requires more excavation will most likely need a crown for reinforcement. 

Root canals with permanent dental fillings help in preventing future infections. Inadequate or defective restorations can allow bacteria to infect and recontaminate the inner parts of the tooth. 

Teeth become more brittle with age, which affects how long a root canal will last without a crown. 

If a tooth has undergone several restorations, the chances are the tooth is more fragile without a crown. 

The short answer is “no” but the long answer is “sort of.”  Here’s why:

The earliest stage of tooth decay or a cavity is demineralized enamel. The outer layer of enamel becomes weak and soft, due to acids and plaque biofilm coming into contact with it on an extended basis.

Fortunately, demineralized enamel can — to an extent — be remineralized before a physical cavity (hole) ruptures through the surface.

What are some ways to help this happen?

• Improved hygiene and plaque removal on an everyday basis
• Protective dental sealants over deep grooves and fissures, which are someof the most cavity-prone surfaces
• Drinking fluoridated tap water throughout the day
• Supplementation with a prescription strength fluoride or mouthrinse, providedby your dentist
• Use of everyday oral hygiene products that contain fluoride
• Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and fewerprocessed carbohydrates
• Eliminating acidic beverages and those that contain natural or artificial-sweeteners

The types of cells that make up your teeth do not re-grow or repair themselves after the tooth is fully developed.

Once a tooth has a physical cavity (opening or hole) inside of it, there is no feasible way to help the enamel grow back on your own. Instead, the cavity will gradually worsen, due to the bacterial infection inside of the tooth structure.

Ideally, you would want to treat the cavity as soon as it’s diagnosed and while it’s as small as possible. When you do, your dentist can place a minimally invasive filling and preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

But untreated cavities will expand to the point that they require larger fillings. Or worse, they will reach into the nerve chamber and create an abscess. What could have initially been treated with a modest restoration now becomes a situation requiring a root canal and a crown