Dental crowns and root canals are common restorative dental procedures designed to address various issues within the mouth. While both aim to preserve tooth health and function, they serve fundamentally different purposes and target distinct parts of the tooth structure. This article will clarify the specific roles of each procedure and explain why they are sometimes performed in conjunction.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown functions as a custom-made cap that completely covers a damaged or weakened tooth above the gum line. This prosthetic device is designed to mimic the natural appearance, shape, size, and strength of the original tooth. Crowns are cemented onto the prepared tooth, providing a protective barrier and restoring the tooth’s structural integrity.
Crowns are often recommended in several situations to address significant dental problems. They are typically used to protect a tooth that has been severely weakened by a large filling, extensive decay, or a fracture. A crown can also restore a tooth that is significantly worn down or improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. Common materials for crowns include porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, each offering different aesthetic and durability characteristics.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure focused on removing infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. This soft inner tissue, known as the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, extending from the crown to the root tips. The primary goal of a root canal is to eliminate infection and inflammation, thereby saving a tooth that might otherwise require extraction.
This procedure becomes necessary when the tooth’s pulp is irreversibly damaged due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, cracks, or trauma. Symptoms often include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling in the gums around the affected tooth, or discoloration of the tooth. During the procedure, the infected pulp is carefully removed, the inner chamber is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and then it is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent further infection.
Key Distinctions and Their Relationship
While both preserve tooth health, crowns and root canals differ in their approach. A crown restores the outer structure and appearance of a tooth, addressing damage or aesthetic concerns. A root canal targets the infected inner pulp to save the tooth from within, treating internal infections. Crowns cover the visible tooth surface, while root canals involve cleaning the intricate canal system deep within the roots.
Despite their distinct purposes, a crown is often recommended or becomes necessary after a root canal procedure. A tooth that has undergone a root canal can become more brittle and susceptible to fracture. This increased fragility occurs because the removal of the pulp eliminates the tooth’s internal source of nourishment, which can lead to dehydration of the dentin over time.
Furthermore, the structural integrity of the tooth may be compromised during the root canal process itself, as some tooth structure might be removed to access the infected pulp. Placing a crown after a root canal provides protection, reinforcing the weakened tooth and restoring its full chewing function. The crown also creates a strong, sealed barrier, helping to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing re-infection.