Should a Dental Crown Be Placed After Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is suitable for dental diseases such as pulpitis, apical periodontitis, and exposed pulp. If you do not want to extract the tooth for treatment, root canal treatment can be used as a solution. Sometimes, root canal treatment cannot be completed in a single session and requires multiple visits. Some patients lack understanding of root canal treatment, especially regarding the post-treatment situation. Some have even heard that braces are required after root canal treatment. So, is it necessary to wear braces after root canal treatment? Let's take a look below.

In principle, it is advisable for patients with pulpitis to wear braces after root canal treatment. This is because root canal treatment involves removing the blood vessels and nerves from the pulp, causing the affected tooth to lose nutritional support. Over time, this can lead to tooth loosening and even falling out. Wearing braces can stabilize the tooth and effectively prevent this situation, greatly assisting in maintaining the patient's oral health. After wearing braces, patients should not be complacent and should pay attention to proper care in their daily lives, avoiding actions that could hinder recovery and potentially compromise oral health.

In addition to wearing braces, patients who have undergone root canal treatment for pulpitis should also maintain good oral hygiene to keep their teeth clean and minimize the growth of dental plaque and tartar. Regular dental cleanings are also recommended to effectively remove dental plaque and tartar, greatly assisting in protecting oral health and preventing the occurrence of oral diseases. Patients should also be mindful of their diet, avoiding excessively hard foods and refraining from using the affected tooth to chew on hard objects, as this can increase the burden on the tooth, causing discomfort and potentially hindering recovery.

First, as the pulp nerves are removed during treatment, root canal treatment involves the reuse of the injured tooth. It is essential to advise patients not to use the treated tooth for chewing food within 24 hours after the root canal treatment.

Second, if the patient still experiences biting discomfort after 24 hours of root canal treatment, it is recommended to avoid using the affected tooth for 1 to 3 days to reduce the pressure on the tooth's apical region. After root canal treatment, patients should avoid biting hard or brittle objects as excessive force can cause the dentin of the dead pulp tooth to become excessively sharp, potentially leading to tooth fracture.

Third, it is advisable to observe the affected tooth for 1 to 2 weeks in the absence of chewing pain or pressure. If there are no significant pain reactions or other adverse effects after root canal treatment, it is recommended to visit a restorative dentist for full crown or porcelain crown restoration, or for inlay crown restoration.

Fourth, for anterior tooth treatment, as anterior teeth have a single canal, the loss of tooth wall after treatment may be minimal, and light-cured resin repair can be considered. After the root canal filling is completed, patients may experience swelling, discomfort, or mild pain within a week, which is normal. These symptoms usually resolve within three days. If pain persists after three days, it is essential to contact a dentist for further treatment adjustments. Post-treatment, patients must be instructed to return for follow-up appointments at specified intervals.