A root canal and crown often go hand in hand, and if your dentist has recommended this combination, it’s completely normal to have questions about what to expect. The good news is that the process is much more straightforward than most people imagine, and knowing what actually happens at each appointment can make the whole experience feel a lot less intimidating.
Why a Root Canal and Crown Are Usually Done Together
When a tooth becomes deeply infected or the inner pulp is damaged, a root canal removes that infected tissue and cleans out the inside of the tooth. Once that’s done, the tooth is structurally weaker than it used to be. A dental crown goes over the top to protect it, restore its shape, and let you chew normally again. Without the crown, a tooth that has had a root canal is at real risk of cracking. So while these are two separate procedures, they’re two parts of the same solution.
The Root Canal Appointment: What to Expect
At your first appointment, we focus entirely on getting that infection under control and saving your tooth. Here’s how it typically goes.
We start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure actually is, especially compared to the toothache that brought them in. Once you’re numb, we place a small rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area dry and clean throughout the procedure.
Then we make a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. Using very fine instruments, we carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp, shape the canals, and flush them clean. The canals are then filled with a material called gutta-percha, which seals them off. A temporary filling goes in on top to protect the tooth until your crown is ready.
The appointment usually takes between one and two hours depending on how many roots the tooth has. Molars, for example, typically have more canals than front teeth. Patients in Northgate, Greenwood, Ballard, and throughout Seattle often tell us they were dreading this part most, and then left wondering what all the worry was about.
Between Appointments: What You Might Feel
Some mild soreness or sensitivity in the days after a root canal is normal. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to manage it. We’ll let you know what to watch for and who to call if something doesn’t feel right. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side of your mouth while the temporary filling is in place.
The Crown Appointment: Finishing the Job
Once the tooth has had a chance to settle, you’ll come back for the crown. This appointment is generally more relaxed than the first.
We begin by shaping the tooth so the crown will fit snugly over it. We take impressions or digital scans of your teeth so the crown can be made to match your bite and the look of your natural smile. A temporary crown goes on while your permanent one is being fabricated, which typically takes a couple of weeks.
At your final visit, we remove the temporary crown, check the fit and color of the permanent one, and cement it in place. We’ll make any small adjustments needed so your bite feels completely natural. That’s it. Your tooth is protected, functional, and looks great.
What the Crown Itself Is Made Of
Most crowns today are made from porcelain or ceramic, which means they blend right in with your surrounding teeth. In some cases, especially for back teeth that take a lot of pressure, a stronger material might be recommended. We’ll talk through your options with you so you feel good about the choice.
Fitting It Into Your Budget
We know dental work is an investment, and we never want cost to stand in the way of care you need. At our Northgate office, we accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing through CareCredit and our flex-pay options. If you’re a new patient coming to us from Shoreline, Ballard, or anywhere else in the Seattle area, ask us about our current new patient offers when you call.
If you have questions about a root canal, a crown, or what to expect from either appointment, please give us a call or drop us an email. We’re happy to talk it through before you ever sit down in the chair.
