How Will My Tooth Be Restored after Root Canal Therapy?

Following the onset of an advanced infection, Dr. Danny O’Keefe will remove infected tissue from within your tooth through a procedure called root canal therapy. The restorative treatment requires the removal of natural tooth structure.

To restore your tooth and prevent future infections, you may be fitted with a dental crown after root canal treatment at our Flowood, MS, dental practice. The prosthetic cap will match the color and luster of your natural tooth. Dr. O’Keefe has decades of experience placing dental crowns and enhancing the health and appearance of our patients’ smiles.

Why Are Crowns Needed?

In order to access the infected area of your tooth, Dr. O’Keefe will need to use a special instrument to create a hole and access its inner chamber. This process is done with the use of local anesthesia to numb your tooth and possibly sedation to help you relax.

Following the removal of infected tissue at our Flowood, MS, dental office, your tooth’s structure will need to be restored. To seal the hole left from a root canal infection and to reinforce your treated tooth, Dr. O’Keefe may recommend a dental crown. The prosthetic cap can be fabricated from metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two.

Are Crowns Always Used?

While an inlay or onlay may be sufficient for some patients, dental crowns are often needed to fully restore and protect a tooth following treatment. An inlay fits within the top surface of a molar while an onlay covers the top of a tooth and the edge of one or more sides. Dental crowns offer greater stability because the prosthetic completely covers a tooth.

Following your restorative treatment, Dr. O’Keefe will determine which option can best restore your smile while protecting your tooth from further damage.

How Soon Will I Receive My Crown?

In some cases, we can provide a permanent crown during the same appointment. In others, you will be fitted with a temporary crown before you leave our dental office following your root canal treatment. It can take up to a few weeks for your final dental crown to be fabricated by a trusted lab. Your temporary crown will be attached with a bonding agent that will keep it firmly in place while you wait for your final crown to arrive.

Do Dental Crowns Require Additional Tooth Preparation?

For a dental crown to fit snuggly, a layer of natural tooth structure will need to be removed. This step, which is called prepping, will be completed following your root canal.

Final Crown Placement and Aftercare

Once your final crown arrives at our Flowood dental office, a second appointment will be scheduled. Dr. O’Keefe will test the crown to ensure that it fits well and matches the color and luster of your natural teeth. Once you and Dr. O’Keefe are fully satisfied, the crown will be placed using a strong cement.

With good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to our office, dental crowns can last 10 years or longer.

Schedule Your Next Visit Today

If you are experiencing the sudden onset of dental pain or sensitivity, let our office know immediately. A root canal infection should be treated as a dental emergency. Once your tooth is treated, you can be fitted with a natural-looking crown that restores your bite. To schedule your next visit, please contact our office online or call (601) 936-2526.