How Long Does A Root Canal Last Without a Crown?

If you just had a root canal, you may have questions about what comes next. The root canal treatment aims to clean and seal the root portion of the tooth. After a root canal, the biting surface of the tooth always needs a permanent form of restoration. You and your dentist will typically choose between a filling or a buildup and crown. Both methods endeavor to seal and protect the treated tooth for long-term strength and stability. For teeth located in the front of the mouth that have sufficient natural structure remaining, a filling may be enough to preserve the treated tooth. Molars and premolars endure more chewing force than front teeth, and crowns provide more strength and stability to fulfill everyday functions.

Sometimes, we perform root canals on teeth that already have crowns. If the tooth and crown are stable after the root canal, we often choose a filling to repair and seal the crown without the need for a new restoration.

In this article, we will explain how a dental crown does a superior job protecting your root canal-treated tooth and share how long you can expect the root canal to hold with and without it.

Understanding Root Canals: Routine Procedures That Save Teeth

A root canal is a safe and effective procedure that removes the pulp from an infected tooth and relieves discomfort. We perform multiple root canals daily and have extensive experience with the process.

The first step in a root canal procedure is making a small opening in the tooth’s crown. We reach down into the root canals using specialized instruments, removing infected material and sanitizing your tooth. After cleaning the tooth’s interior, we fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and a bioceramic sealer. These materials seal the tooth and protect the roots from further damage. We place a temporary filling to protect your tooth in the short term. All temporary fillings will eventually leak, compromising the success of your root canal therapy, and the health of your tooth and the surrounding tissues. To avoid future issues, you will need to visit your restorative dentist promptly to receive a permanent restoration, usually within 30 days of completing your root canal procedure.

How Long Root Canals Last

A root canal could last 10 to 20 years, or even a lifetime if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your family dentist will keep your treated tooth intact longer.

Why Dental Crowns Offer Root Canal-Treated Teeth Better Protection Than Fillings

Dental Crowns Seal Out Bacteria

One of the most significant advantages of a dental crown over a filling is that it does a better job protecting your treated tooth from further infection. A filling is not as large as a crown and does not cover the entire natural tooth surface. Fillings break down faster than crowns, allowing bacteria inside.

Choose Your Tooth Restoration Carefully

After your root canal-treated tooth heals and your restoration is in place, you will be able to chew comfortably once more. Dr. Judd has five years of experience as a restorative dentist and draws on his expertise when recommending the proper protection for your treated tooth. If you have any questions or concerns about the root canal process or about which method is best to restore your tooth, please contact our office for assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

How long does a root canal take?

Typically, the procedure takes roughly one hour and 15 minutes. The length of your individual procedure could vary based on the size and location of your tooth as well as your canals’ anatomy. We take particular care to remove infected pulp and fill the tooth with a neutral material to protect it from further infection.

Is a root canal uncomfortable?

A patient in need of a root canal often experiences significant discomfort as the infection inside their tooth worsens; the root canal treatment itself provides relief. We use gentle, updated techniques to make the process as easy on you as possible. Most patients compare the sensations to receiving a large conventional filling. After the procedure, you may need over-the-counter pain medication for a short time as your tooth heals.

How can I keep my root canal-treated tooth healthy?

Make an appointment with your restorative dentist within 30 days to receive your filling or crown. For example, if you wait too long to have your crown cemented, food particles and bacteria may contaminate the tooth. Your infection could recur and make a repeat procedure necessary.

Ensure that you brush and floss as your dentist recommends. Pay close attention to the area around your treated tooth. If you have any issues with your permanent restoration, such as a filling coming out or a crown becoming loose, you will need to call your dentist for an evaluation to avoid future problems.

Which is better: a root canal or an extraction?

Some patients ask why a root canal is the preferred treatment for a pulp infection and whether they would be better off with an extraction. Our practice philosophy states that the natural tooth is always preferable to an extraction & replacement, when possible. Saving the tooth is less costly than a replacement, and natural teeth are easier to keep clean and maintain. If the tooth cannot be saved with a root canal or is already missing, patients should usually receive an implant, bridge, or partial denture to protect their tooth alignment, their oral health, and function.

Can a root canal make me sick?

This misconception originates from a discredited study from the early 20th century. Today, science has proven that root canals are safe, effective, and do not cause systemic illness. In fact, if you do not receive a root canal when you need one, the infection could spread to other parts of your body and cause significant illness.

At Archway Endodontics, we provide expert root canal care on your schedule. We welcome you to our St. Louis practice and encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your treatment. Please contact us to schedule a consultation today.