Root canal treatment and dental crowns both play crucial roles in restoring dental health and improving tooth longevity. In this article, our Brisbane dentist has provided you with a detailed comparison to help you learn more about the nuances of each dental treatment, its pros and cons, and so much more.

Root Canal Treatment: An Overview

Have you ever been told you might need a root canal? Ok, Don’t worry! Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure designed to save your badly decayed or infected teeth. During a root canal, your dentist will carefully remove the damaged or infected part of the tooth, clean out any infection, and then fill and seal the area to stop any further decay.

You might worry that the procedure will hurt, but thanks to advances in dental techniques and anaesthesia, it’s usually as comfortable as getting a filling. A root canal can not only relieve your current discomfort but also safeguard your smile against future dental problems.

Root Canal Process: Step-by-Step

We have provided you with a step-by-step explanation of what happens during an RCT.

Assessment: Our Brisbane dentist will start with an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.

Anaesthesia: Then, they will administer local anaesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Pulpectomy: An opening is made in the top of the tooth to remove the infected or damaged pulp inside.

Cleaning and Shaping: The space is then cleaned and shaped without any infected tissue, and it’s prepared for filling.

Filling: The cleaned and shaped canal is filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and sealed with adhesive cement. This step prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.

Finishing: In many cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening in the tooth. This is later replaced by a permanent filling or a crown during a follow-up visit.

Advantages of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a reliable way to save your natural tooth and take away the pain and discomfort caused by infection or decay.

Saves Your Tooth: The biggest benefit of a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth, avoiding the need for an extraction and helping you maintain your natural smile.

Stops the Spread of Infection: By removing the infected or inflamed pulp, root canal treatment stops the infection from spreading, which can save not only the affected tooth but also the surrounding teeth.

Improves Oral and Overall Health: Treating the infection reduces the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body, which is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Reduces Pain: Although it’s commonly thought to be painful, the procedure actually relieves the pain caused by the damaged tooth.

Cost-Effective: Compared to tooth extraction and replacing the tooth with a bridge or implant, root canal treatment is generally less expensive.

Disadvantages of Root Canal Treatment

While root canal treatment is highly effective in eliminating pain, it may pose some challenges as well.

Complexity: The procedure can be complex and time-consuming, especially if the infection is severe.

Post-Procedure Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity or mild pain for a few days after the treatment.

Need for Further Treatment: In some cases, the tooth may require additional treatments, such as dental crowns, to fully restore its function and appearance.

Risk of Reinfection: If the root canal isn’t properly sealed, the tooth can become reinfected, potentially leading to further procedures.

Structural Weakness: The tooth can be weaker and more prone to breaking than healthy, untreated teeth, often necessitating a crown to protect it.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Many people worry that root canal therapy will be painful, but the truth is quite the opposite. With today’s advanced techniques and effective local anaesthetics, most patients find that root canal treatment causes minimal discomfort.

The procedure is actually designed to alleviate pain, not cause it. After the treatment, you might feel a bit of tenderness, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

The Role of Dental Crowns in Dental Care

If your teeth are damaged, decayed, or have undergone significant procedures like root canals, dental crowns are the go-to solution for restoring and protecting them. A crown is a cap that’s custom-made and fits over your weakened tooth to help strengthen it and improve its appearance. Crowns can be very effective in restoring the shape and size of a tooth, enhancing its colour, and making it stronger.

Whether you’ve had a fracture, a severe cavity, or a root canal, a crown can help safeguard your tooth from further damage and ensure it functions normally. They play a vital part in dental care by extending the life of your natural teeth and maintaining your smile’s health and beauty.

Dental Crowns: Step-by-Step

Getting a dental crown involves a few key steps and is quite straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect from a dental crown procedure:

• Initial Consultation: Our dentist examines the tooth and decides if a crown is the best option. Sometimes, an X-ray is taken to assess the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone.
• Preparation: The tooth will then be reshaped along the top and sides to make room for the new crown. This involves removing a portion of the tooth to make sure the crown will fit properly and feel comfortable.
• Impression Taking: Once your tooth is reshaped, your dentist takes an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. This model helps in making a crown that fits perfectly into your bite.
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is made. This crown is usually made of acrylic-based materials and is not as durable as the permanent crown.
• Crown Fabrication: The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your permanent crown is made. Depending on your needs and preferences, this can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.
• Permanent Crown Fitting: When your crown is ready, you’ll return to our office. The temporary crown will be removed, and the new crown will be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit. The crown is then cemented into place to restore your tooth’s function and appearance.

Advantages of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can strengthen and improve the appearance of your damaged teeth.

• Protection: Crowns provide a strong cover for teeth that are cracked, decayed, or otherwise damaged, shielding them from further harm.
• Durability: Made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, crowns are durable and can last many years with proper care.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Dental crowns are crafted to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, enhancing the overall look of your smile.
• Functionality: They restore the functionality of damaged teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
• Versatility: A dental crown is used in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as bridges and root canals, to provide comprehensive dental solutions.

Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns bring many benefits. Still, there are also some considerations to keep in mind.

• Tooth Sensitivity: Some people may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in the tooth that has recently been crowned, especially if the crowned tooth still has a nerve in it.
• Initial Discomfort: Feeling some discomfort or sensitivity immediately after the crown is placed is common.
• Cost: Dental crowns can be expensive, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the placement.
• Risk of Damage: Just like your own teeth, crowns can crack or break if you chew on something really hard or if you grind your teeth.
• Possibility of Replacement: While dental crowns are durable, you may need to replace them eventually if they wear down or get damaged.

Is the Procedure of Receiving a Dental Crown Painful?

Getting a dental crown is usually pain-free. Your dentist will numb the area, so you won’t feel much beyond a bit of pressure. There might be some soreness afterwards, but it’s nothing a common painkiller can’t handle. Overall, there’s no need to worry about pain when getting a crown.

Comparing Costs: Root Canal vs. Dental Crown

Generally, the cost of each treatment can vary based on several factors:

Type of Treatment: Root canals usually involve cleaning the tooth’s canals and sealing them, which can be less expensive than crowns that require crafting a cap for the tooth.

Materials Used: The materials chosen for a root canal or a crown can affect the price. For instance, a gold crown is typically more costly than a porcelain one.

Dentist and Location: The location of your dentist’s office and their level of expertise can also influence the cost of each procedure. Dentists in major cities might charge more due to higher operating costs.

Dental Insurance: What your insurance covers can significantly affect how much you pay out of pocket. Some insurances might cover a larger portion of a root canal than a crown.

Duration and Durability: What Lasts Longer?

When it comes to figuring out what lasts longer between a root canal and a dental crown, both treatments are known for their durability but serve different purposes:

Root Canals: If you look after your teeth well, root canals can last decades and even a lifetime. They treat the inside of the tooth to stop infection and save it from being pulled out.

Dental Crowns: Crowns usually last about 5 to 15 years, but if you’re really careful with them, they can last even longer. The lifespan of a crown depends on what it’s made from and how you use your teeth (like if you chew a lot of hard foods).

Forgiveness in Treatment

Root Canal Treatment: Usually, root canals are quite forgiving when it comes to minor mistakes. The main aim is to thoroughly clean and seal the root canal system, which is why the success rate is high. This is thanks to modern techniques and materials. However, it’s still essential to be precise in cleaning and sealing to avoid any future problems.

Dental Crown: When it comes to dental crowns, accuracy is key. If a crown isn’t prepared and placed precisely, it can cause several issues, such as misalignment, bite problems, and even recurrent decay around the edges of the crown.

Success Rate

Root Canal Treatment: Root canals have a high success rate, often over 90%, especially when done by specialists. The key to success is thoroughly removing the infected tissue and properly sealing the canals.

Dental Crown: Dental crowns are also highly successful when placed accurately. However, if a crown doesn’t fit well, it can lead to secondary issues that may affect its longevity.

Conclusion

Root canal treatment and dental crowns serve different purposes but often work together to restore and protect teeth. A root canal is crucial for saving a tooth with infected or damaged pulp, while a dental crown offers the necessary protection and strength to a tooth that has been structurally compromised.