Getting a Dental Crown vs a Root Canal

One common myth of dental care is that if you need a dental crown, you also need to have a root canal. This is not true. Most root canal procedures do require a crown after treatment. But crowns may be needed for many reasons other than covering a root canal. To understand the differences between these two treatments, it is important to understand what each treatment is and its purposes.

What is a Crown?

A dental crown is a “cap” that resembles your tooth and is placed over your existing tooth. Crowns are used for many reasons:

• To strengthen a weak tooth

• To repair a broken tooth

• To cover a root canal

• To cover a dental implant

• To improve the appearance of a tooth (shape, size, color, etc.)

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is recommended when a tooth’s pulp becomes badly infected or decayed and needs to be removed. During a root canal treatment, your dental surgeon will create an opening in the crown of the tooth and remove the pulp – also known as the nerve. Then the canals are cleaned and filled with biocompatible material. The last step for most root canal treatments is placing a crown on the tooth to protect the treated area. You may need a root canal if you have:

• A tooth with decay that reaches the pulp

• A tooth with an abscess

• A tooth with deep damage due to trauma or injury

To learn more about root canals and crowns, or to find out if you need one, call or stop by our office at Midland Dental! We are happy to address your questions and concerns.