Toothaches and other dental problems are never welcome! But if you are struggling with decay or infection, restorative dentistry can save your teeth and end your discomfort. Two of the most common restorative treatments are dental crowns and root canal therapy. The two are similar, and, in fact, crowns are a part of root canal treatment. But they are performed for different reasons and one may be more appropriate for your needs.
At Wren Street Dental, Dr. Amol Shergill offers complete restorative care. At our Mission, BC, office, we use the latest technology and are attentive to the oral-systemic connection. Most importantly, we offer compassionate, personalized care and will carefully determine the most suitable treatment for you.
To learn more about our restorative options or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
When are root canals recommended?
Root canal therapy is most commonly recommended for dental infection. Infection sets in when decay goes untreated, and bacteria move down to the root canals, which house the roots themselves.
Other times, Dr. Shergill will perform a root canal on a cracked tooth if the crack extends down to the dental root.
When do you need dental crowns?
Dental crowns perform an array of functions. Dr. Shergill may recommend a crown for any of the following reasons:
- A cavity that is too large for a filling
- A worn tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth with an intact dental root
- Significant cosmetic concerns, such as internal staining or an irregularly shaped tooth
- As the last step of root canal therapy (although 65.4% of crowns are set on non-endodontically treated teeth)
How will your dentist decide between the treatments?
Dr. Shergill will carefully examine your teeth to determine the appropriate restorative care. Our digital x-rays will allow him to evaluate the extent of decay and the state of the tooth roots.
What to Expect When You Receive Dental Crowns
If Dr. Shergill recommends a crown, he will reshape the surface of your tooth, removing a significant portion of the dental tissue. Your tooth will be numb during treatment, so you should feel little discomfort. Then he will use our digital scanners to take virtual impressions of your teeth. These images will ensure that your new crown looks and feels just like a natural tooth. You will also have a variety of materials to choose from.
Once the crown is finished, you will return to the office so Dr. Shergill can attach it with composite resin. After treatment is complete, you will enjoy full dental function.
What to Expect during Root Canal Therapy
During root canal therapy, Dr. Shergill will clean out the inside of your tooth to remove any decayed tissue. He will also clean out and reshape the inside of your root canals. He will fill both areas with a rubbery compound. Then he will place a dental crown on the outside of your tooth, using the procedure described above.
Contact Us to Learn More about Dental Crowns and Root Canal Treatment
If you are experiencing dental discomfort, or if you have been told you need restorative treatment, contact Wren Street Dental today. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 604-820-8702.
