By: Joseph Brier, DMD, FAGD, Dental Care of Lucas

One of the most common questions patients ask when they hear they need a crown is: “Does that mean I’ll also need a root canal?” The short answer is: not necessarily. While crowns and root canals are sometimes related, they are two very different treatments, and one does not always require the other.

A crown is essentially a strong protective cover that goes over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Dentists often recommend crowns for teeth that are cracked, weakened by large fillings, or badly worn down. Crowns can also be placed on top of dental implants or after a root canal has been completed, but they are not automatically linked to that procedure.

A root canal, on the other hand, is needed only when the pulp - the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels - becomes infected or severely irritated. This might happen due to deep decay, a fracture that reaches the pulp, or trauma to the tooth. The purpose of a root canal is to save the tooth by cleaning out the infected or irreversibly irritated tissue and sealing it, preventing further problems.

So why the confusion? Many people associate crowns with root canals because the two procedures often occur together. If a tooth has suffered enough damage to need a root canal, it frequently also needs a crown afterward to provide long-term protection. However, the reverse isn’t true: just because a tooth needs a crown doesn’t mean the nerve is infected or that a root canal is required.

For example, if your tooth is cracked or has a large filling that’s breaking down, but the pulp is still healthy, you may need a crown but not a root canal. In that case, the crown alone is enough to restore and protect your tooth. On the other hand, if your tooth is painful, sensitive to hot or cold, or shows signs of infection, your dentist will evaluate whether a root canal is necessary before placing the crown.

The takeaway? A crown and a root canal address different problems, and they don’t always go hand-in-hand. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your tooth with an exam and, if needed, X-rays to determine the best treatment.

Protecting your natural teeth is always the goal, and crowns and root canals are just tools to help achieve that. If you ever have questions about why a specific procedure is recommended, don’t hesitate to ask - we’re here to explain and guide you every step of the way.

You can find us at dentalcareoflucas.com.