Sometimes, your tooth needs a little extra care to shine as brightly as it should. After a root canal, choosing a crown instead of a filling can provide the strength and protection your tooth needs for the long run. Typically, a dental crown in Dedham, MA, is the final step in root canal therapy; however, sometimes, a filling is sufficient. We understand you may have questions about when you need a crown vs. a filling or a crown vs. a root canal.
At Dental Park, our skilled team is here to answer those questions and help you preserve your natural tooth. Say goodbye to worries about tooth damage and hello to lasting confidence. Let us help you reclaim your smile’s full strength and beauty today!
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment designed to remove infected tissue from your tooth’s canal. Without this treatment, the infection spreads, and you can lose your tooth and even neighboring teeth.
The root canal process is straightforward. Your dentist anesthetizes the area around the infected tooth, extracts the infected materials, and fills the space with a temporary filling. Then, at a future dental appointment, usually two weeks later, you come in for a permanent filling or a dental crown.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal in Dedham
If you have a root infection, chances are you’ll present with one or more of the following symptoms, and you may need emergency dental care:
- Pain — You may have a constant, severe toothache that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Sensitivity — You may experience extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, which could hurt when you bite down or chew.
- Swelling — You may have swelling in your gums, face, cheek, or neck. Your gums may be especially swollen around the infected tooth.
- A gum blister — You may see a pimple-like blister on your gums.
- Bad breath — You may notice a foul odor in your mouth that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
One of the most common questions we hear about root canal therapy is whether it will hurt.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Before the procedure, the pain you feel is from your infected tooth. It might be worse when you eat or drink.
- You won't feel any pain once we numb your mouth before the procedure. We’ll comfortably remove the infection and save your tooth from extraction.
- After the procedure, you may feel mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this will subside after a few days. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers and placing ice packs on your face if you experience discomfort.
Dental Fillings vs. Tooth Crowns in Root Canal Therapy
If your dentist catches your root infection early, there is a chance you’ll only need a tooth-colored filling following treatment. However, it is far more common to need a dental crown because infection weakens the tooth structure, and a dental crown reestablishes function.
A dental crown is a tooth cover that goes over your prepared tooth. We customize your crown to look like your surrounding teeth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
A dental crown can last up to 15 years or more if you properly care for it. Several factors can affect a crown’s longevity, including the following:
- Material — We use porcelain to create our same-day dental crowns, so they’re strong and durable.
- Oral hygiene — It’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day and floss between each tooth every day. Maintaining good oral health can help your crown last longer.
- Dental visits — Be sure to visit your Dedham dental office every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. This gives us the chance to identify any dental issues before they worsen.
- Eating habits — To keep your crown for a long time, you should avoid chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools. Also, be careful about biting down on hard, crunchy, or chewy foods.
- Teeth grinding — If you clench or grind your teeth, it can cause wear and tear on your crown, so ask your dentist about a mouthguard.
Prevent Root Canals with a Dentist Near Me
Preventive dentistry is your best defense against root infection. If you establish regular dental checkups, teeth cleanings, and brush and floss on schedule, you significantly lower your risk for tooth root infections.
We recommend a routine preventive visit twice a year to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Do You Need a Root Canal in Dedham, MA?
If you notice oral health changes, including tooth sensitivity and pain, we encourage you to contact a dental team member to arrange a visit with the dentist. Root infections can go from mild discomfort to severe pain in a matter of hours. Therefore, early intervention is always the best course. Please don’t hesitate to contact us when you need us!
We look forward to hearing from you.