At Ashgrove Dental, we believe that saving your natural tooth whenever possible is the best way to go. That’s why we resort to tooth extraction only when it’s absolutely necessary.
Making this possible is none other than root canal treatment.
A root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is a procedure that treats severely damaged or infected teeth to prevent further infection or damage while saving your smile.
This procedure is typically performed when the pulp of your tooth, which contains its blood vessels, tissue fibres and nerves, gets infected or damaged. What root canal treatment does is remove and replace this infected or damaged pulp and replace it with a root filling before cleaning, sealing and temporarily filling your tooth.
The only downside to a root canal is that it leaves your treated tooth weaker and fragile. For this reason, we typically recommend topping off your root canal with a dental crown, as it adds an extra layer of protection and strength to your tooth.
However, not everybody ends up getting a dental crown. And this brings us to the big question – how long can a root canal last without a crown?
What is the Lifespan of a Root Canal?
With a high success rate, there is no doubt that a root canal is one of the best ways to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. As we mentioned before, the catch is that while a root canal effectively removes the infection, it doesn’t restore the tooth’s strength.
As a result, a root canal-treated tooth tends to be weaker, needing extra protection to prevent further damage – and that’s where the dental crown comes in.
Your root canal can easily last well over a decade or more (provided that you take proper care of it) with a crown. This is because the crown adds an extra layer of protection needed to keep your tooth functional and intact. Do keep in mind that the longevity of your root canal can also depend on factors like the procedure and steps taken by the dentist and the experience and skill of the dentist as well.
What Happens to a Root Canal Without a Crown?
Opting out of a dental crown after a root canal might seem like a harmless decision. However, it can put your tooth at serious risk because:
- The tooth becomes brittle and fragile after a root canal. Everyday actions like chewing and biting into food can cause cracks and fractures on your tooth, eventually leading to potential tooth loss.
- While a tooth filling may temporarily seal the tooth, it doesn’t strengthen its structure. Over time, the filling can become damaged due to wear and tear, exposing the tooth to damage and infection.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Root Canal Without a Crown
- Timely Treatment: Treating an infected tooth in a timely manner without delay affects how long your root canal can last without a crown.
- Extent of Damage: The more severe the infection, the quicker your root canal may degrade without a crown, as it requires more excavation. If only a small portion of the tooth was affected, you might be able to go for a while without a crown.
- Quality of the Restoration: If you are opting out of a dental crown, make sure your dental filling is of high quality. Why? Because a high-quality dental filling can help prevent future infections.
- Location of the Tooth: Since front teeth experience less biting pressure than molars, a root canal-treated front tooth can last longer without a dental crown.
- Prior Restorations: If your root canal-treated tooth has undergone previous restorations, it’s likely to be more fragile. In such cases, a crown becomes absolutely necessary to prevent future cracks, chips or re-infection.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups can help preserve root canal-treated teeth for longer, even without a crown.
Things to Expect When Delaying a Dental Crown?
As we mentioned before, postponing a dental crown after a root canal is not a harmless decision (although it might seem that way) because it can lead to serious oral health issues, which can ultimately affect your overall well-being.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Without a crown, the weakened tooth is more vulnerable to decay and bacterial infections, leading to further complications and costly treatment.
- Issues with Your Jawbone: Severe tooth damage or decay could lead to jawbone deterioration or misalignment, affecting your bite and the functionality of your teeth.
- Chewing Limitations: A dental crown adds strength to your root canal-treated tooth, making it more resistant to damage. Without one, you will face limitations when it comes to diet because hard, crunchy and sticky foods can cause damage to the tooth.
- Compromised Oral Health: An unprotected tooth can lead to fractures and even tooth loss, bringing with it a whole host of other problems that require complex and costly treatment.
- Aesthetic Concerns: A root canal-treated tooth without a crown may appear discoloured, uneven or misshapen when compared to the rest of your teeth while a crown can restore the natural appearance of the tooth, blending seamlessly with your smile.
So, if you are looking to get the most out of your root canal while avoiding the problems mentioned above, topping it off with a dental crown is the best way to go.
At Ashgrove Dental, we are committed to keeping your smile healthy and bright. If you want to learn more about root canals, schedule a consultation today, and we’ll answer any and all questions you may have.
