Last year I had a root canal done. My dentist told me that I needed a crown to protect the tooth but I didn’t do it. I couldn’t afford it. I have a few other things that I need to take care of before I consider getting a crown. This past Thursday my tooth broke down to the gum line. Is this something that can be fixed? Kirk from texas
Kirk,
Your dentist is correct. A dental crown is needed to protect the tooth after the root canal treatment. The tooth becomes brittle, because there is no blood supply to it, and the crown protects it from breaking. The break in your tooth is partially the result of not having it protected.
Your tooth is broken now, but a crown is still needed to preserve your tooth. If the tooth is left exposed, it is at further risk to become infected again, or for a root to fracture. If the root is fractured, the tooth cannot be saved. If an infection recurs, a second root canal treatment will be needed.
Although you have concerns about the cost of the crown, protecting your tooth now will save you money in the long term.
This blog post is sponsored by the office of Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.