Root Canal vs Crown: What Is the Difference?

According to studies, at least 13% of adults require dental care for a dental infection. In these instances, the majority of those dental treatments are root canals. As a result of damaged and infected teeth, many individuals also have to receive dental crowns.

But what’s the difference between a root canal vs crown implants? In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between the two and explain how the procedures work hand-in-hand.

What Is a Root Canal?

When you have swelling or an infection within the tooth pulp, a root canal is a treatment that is needed. There are a lot of ways that tooth pulp can become infected. Bacteria can get inside of the pulp and lead to infection if you have severe decay.

Also, if you have a chipped tooth, it creates an opening in the tooth, which could also lead to infection. The conditions that trigger the need for a root canal are usually repetitive dental work or damage that comes from a mouth injury. If these types of conditions are left untreated, they will not only be painful, but they could potentially turn into an abscess or serious infection.

Your dentist will run tests and take X-rays of your mouth to determine if you need a root canal. They will then use anesthetic injections to numb your mouth. In order to get to the pulp, your dentist will create an opening along the outside of your tooth and go through your tooth enamel and dentin.

They will then use a small drill to clean out any infection or damaged pulp that’s inside of your teeth. During this step, an antibacterial solution is used to reduce the risk of further infection. Next, the tooth is filled with a temporary filling and sealed back together.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a structure that’s permanently connected to your teeth using cement. It’s used to cover damaged teeth, discolored teeth, or oddly shaped teeth. It’s usually placed in after a root canal because the root canal helps to protect the tooth and give it strength once the infection removal takes place.

Prior to having a crown cemented into your mouth, your current teeth have to be drilled and reduced in size. Then, impressions are made and sent to a lab so that the crown can fit your teeth and gums perfectly. Once the crowns are finished, they are then cemented onto your teeth permanently.

If you are getting a crown in the near future, follow the highlighted link to learn what to expect from the procedure.

A Root Canal vs Crown

Essentially, a root canal and crown work together. For most patients, a root canal is needed before a dental crown procedure. When it comes to the contrast between a root canal vs crown, the two procedures are totally different. However, one can’t be done without the other.

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