A root canal is one of the best dental treatments to deal with severe decay and save a dying tooth. However, the procedure weakened the tooth because some of the natural tooth structure was removed during the cleaning process.
That’s why, in most cases, dentists place a crown over a tooth following a root canal as it provides the needed support and strength. Additionally, the crown also protects the tooth from further damage and infection.
However, many patients choose to delay getting the crown for multiple reasons. They ask a question like, “Can I wait a month to get a crown after a root canal?”. If you are also one of them, be aware that not getting a crown may shorten the longevity of the root canal.
Let’s figure out how long a root canal lasts without a crown.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last Without a Crown?
Getting a crown is not always recommended after root canal treatment in Patna. It is possible for your root canal to last for years without the crown.
But keep in mind that getting a crown after the RCT extends the treatment longevity.
According to experts, a root canal without the crown may last up to 1 to 5 years with excellent care. Whereas a root canal with the crown can last up to 15 to 20 years.
This happens because it provides better protection and strength, which allows the tooth to exist for a longer time. However, even after knowing this, many people delay the crown treatment because of financial reasons.
If you are one of them, we understand your situation. If you wish to know more about how long a root canal can last without a crown, especially in your specific condition, know the factors that affects its longevity.
10 Factors Influencing How Long a Root Canal Lasts Without a Crown
One thing is clear crowns are essential for root canals to last longer. Their absence directly affects the longevity of the treatment. Here are some factors that influence the longevity of a root canal without a crown:
#1. Tooth Location
Root canal treatment in front teeth lasts longer without a crown in comparison to teeth in the back. This happens because most of the chewing occurs at the molars, and they also exert more pressure. That’s why root canals in molars and premolars don’t last as long with just a filling.
#2. Getting Timely Treatment
The more quickly you treat your infection, the longer the root canal will last without a crown. Late treatment and severely infected teeth require more excavation. This leaves very little healthy tooth structure, which makes the treatment unable to be sustained without crown.
#3. Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the most important factor in increasing the longevity of the root canal with or without the crown. Regular brushing and flossing help to keep the teeth and gums healthy, which prevents further damage. Poor oral hygiene may allow the bacteria to re-enter the tooth, especially in the absence of a crown.
#4. The Extent of Damage
The condition of the tooth plays a huge role in deciding the longevity of the root canal. Severely damaged and decayed teeth generally don’t have much tooth structure left. And in such cases, the fillings alone are not sufficient to keep the tooth safe.
#5. Chewing Habits
If you are habitually prone to chew hard food and grind your teeth, don’t delay the filling procedure. These habits will put continuous extra pressure on the crownless teeth, which won’t be able to handle it for long. Try to eat soft and light food and avoid tooth grinding if you wish to increase the lifespan of the root canal without having a crown.
#6. How Old Are Your Teeth?
As we age, our teeth become more and more brittle. Also older teeth are more prone to fracture because of the years of wear and tear which directly affects how long a root canal lasts without a crown.
#7. The Quality of the Restoration
A permanent filling with a high-quality material will be able to prevent further damage for a good amount of time. If the patient has enough tooth material left, it may also be strong enough to go without the crown. Apart from the filling material, the quality of the treatment is also important. If a gap shows in the filling, bacteria can re-enter the tooth.
#8. Prior Restorations
If the patient had prior restorations in the same tooth, it will be more fragile and prone to damage without a crown. That’s why patients with multiple restorations should go for the crown, as in this case, it’s necessary. Don’t delay the crown treatment more than a week or two.
#9. Your Diet
As we know that root canal saves the tooth but also weakens it. That’s why the tooth is more prone to damage after the treatment. This is the reason why you can not eat hard foods after a root canal without a crown. Additionally, patients should also avoid high-sugar and high-carbohydrate diets as they can increase the harmful bacteria in the mouth, which will eventually affect the RCT.
#10. Overall Health
An unhealthy body is good for nothing; from the way you look to how you recover from the treatment, all depends on your overall health. That’s why a tooth of a patient with a certain underlying condition may not be able to fully recover after the RCT.
So, these were factors that influence how long a root canal lasts without a crown. Additionally, delaying getting a crown after RCT not only affects its longevity, but it also has some other risks.
Other Risks of Delaying Crown after Root Canal
The risk of delaying crown after root canal is not only limited to the treatment’s longevity. Here are some other major risks:
- Chewing Limitations – The crown gives the needed support and strength to the tooth. This allows the patient to chew hard foods, which would not be possible without the crown.
- Sensitivity – Without the crown, the tooth may be left exposed which may invite teeth sensitivity over time.
- Aesthetic Concerns – The crown not only provides the strength of the tooth but also makes it look aesthetically appealing. Leaving a heavily damaged tooth without the crown can make it look a little wonky.
- Future Cost – Root canal without crown cost may sound tempting but in reality, it may be more costly. Without the crown, the affected tooth will be more prone to damage which may require more expensive and extensive treatment. That’s why delaying the crown treatment after RCT is not a good financial decision.
- Potential Misalignment – Crownless teeth may be weak which may end up shifting or collapse leading to misalignment in the bite.
These are some of the reasons why you should not delay crown after RCT. Now many of you must be wondering can a root canal last a lifetime if one gets the crown at the right time.
Well, a crown can make the root canal last for more than 15 years but it does not guarantee a lifetime result.
If you reside in Patna and want to get a safe root canal treatment that lasts long, visit the most trusted dental clinic in Patna, Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic.
Get the Best Root Canal Treatment in Patna
Root canals are like small dental surgery that also carries the risk of complications. To get safe and effective RCT in Patna, which is free of side effects visit Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic.
Our clinic is known in the town for delivering world-class dental treatment at a reasonable cost. We have one of the most affordable RCT cost in Patna and that’s why regional folks love to visit us. Additionally, our patient-centric approach and super hygienic environment make us stand out from the crowd.
Under the wings of Dr. Aishwarya, B.D.S., M.D.S. (Gold Medalist) this clinic has helped numerous people achieve the smile of their dreams.
Additionally, Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic is well equipped with the latest dental tools and technologies that help her provide precise treatment. Our clinic is easily accessible as it is situated at the prime location of Patna – Boring Patliputra Road. So, what are you waiting for to visit us now!
Conclusion
Getting a crown after the root canal is not always necessary. But, there is no denying that a crown increases the longevity of a root canal.
According to dental experts, root canal with a crown may last for 15 to 20 years, whereas without a crown the treatment may not even last for 3 to 5 years.
Additionally, some factors influence the longevity of the root canal without a crown. In this blog, we have discussed the factors along with the risk that comes with delaying the crown after RCT.
If by any chance you want to get an effective root canal treatment in Patna, look no further than Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic. You can either visit our clinic in person or simply click the button below to book appointment.
