DENTAL CROWNS CROYDON MAROONDAH

Root Canals And Dental Crowns

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is a root canal treatment?

ROOT CANAL COST >

Root canal treatment, often called a "root canal," is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth with a damaged or infected pulp (the innermost part of the tooth). Root canal treatment is necessary when a tooth's pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to various factors, such as deep cavities, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Here's an overview of what the procedure involves:

Procedure Steps:

  1. Diagnosis: The dentist or endodontist begins by taking dental X-rays to assess the damage's extent and locate the infected or inflamed pulp.

  2. Access Opening: To access the pulp chamber and root canals, the dentist creates a small opening in the crown (top) of the tooth. This opening allows them to remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue.

  3. Cleaning and Shaping: The dentist uses specialised instruments to clean the pulp chamber and the narrow canals within the tooth's roots. These instruments remove all infected tissue, debris, and bacteria, thoroughly cleaning the tooth.

  4. Filling and Sealing: After the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. The access opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent further contamination.

  5. Restoration: In most cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will require a restoration, such as a dental crown, to strengthen and protect it. The crown is typically placed at a separate appointment.

It's important to note that root canal treatments are highly successful and have a high success rate. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last a lifetime.

What is a dental crown?

DENTAL CROWN COST >

A dental crown, often called a dental cap, is a prosthetic dental restoration used to cover and protect a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised tooth. Dental crowns are custom-made to resemble a natural tooth in shape, size, and colour, and they are designed to fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Here's an overview of the purposes and benefits of dental crowns:

Purposes of dental crowns:

  1. Tooth Protection: Dental crowns are commonly used to protect and strengthen a tooth weakened due to extensive decay, large fillings, or fractures. The crown encases the entire tooth, preventing further damage and providing structural support.

  2. Restoration of Function: Crowns are used to restore the functionality of a tooth that may have been compromised due to damage or extensive dental work. Once in place, a crown allows the tooth to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.

  3. Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a tooth that is discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned. They can be made to match the colour and contour of adjacent natural teeth, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the smile.

  4. Tooth Preservation: In cases where a tooth has a significant portion of its structure intact but is vulnerable to further damage, a crown can be a conservative option to save the tooth, as it avoids the need for extraction.

  5. Support for Dental Bridges: Dental crowns are used as anchor points to support dental bridges. Crowns are placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap created by missing teeth, and the bridge is attached to them, effectively replacing the missing teeth.

  6. Coverage for Dental Implants: Dental implants, used to replace missing teeth, are often capped with dental crowns to create a complete and natural-looking tooth replacement.

Materials used for dental crowns:

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including:

  1. Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are popular for their natural appearance and ability to mimic the colour and translucency of natural teeth closely. They are an excellent choice for front teeth.

  2. Metal: Metal crowns, such as those made of gold or silver alloys, are known for their durability and strength. They are often used for molars, where strength is essential, but they are less common in visible areas due to their metallic colour.

  3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They have a metal substructure for strength with a porcelain exterior for a natural appearance.

  4. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: These crowns are entirely made of ceramic or porcelain materials, offering excellent aesthetics and strength. They are suitable for both front and back teeth.

The choice of crown material depends on factors such as the tooth's location, function, aesthetic considerations, and the patient's preferences and budget. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable type of crown based on your specific dental needs.