Root canal therapy eliminates infection from within the tooth while a dental crown protects and strengthens the treated tooth for long-term function. At Stone Street Dental in Greenville, TX, Dr. Garrad provides comprehensive root canal treatment followed by custom crown placement, giving infected or damaged teeth the best possible chance of lasting for decades.
Understanding Tooth Infections & Structural Damage
The inner pulp of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When bacteria reach this chamber through deep decay, cracks, or trauma, infection develops, and the pulp becomes compromised. Without treatment, infection spreads beyond the tooth into the surrounding bone, causes abscess formation, and ultimately threatens the tooth and adjacent structures.
Root canal therapy addresses the infection directly, removing compromised tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. A crown is then placed to protect the tooth from fracture and restore full chewing function.
When Root Canal Therapy Is Recommended
Root canal therapy is recommended when persistent or severe sensitivity to hot or cold exists, spontaneous or throbbing tooth pain occurs, tooth darkening or discoloration appears, swelling or tenderness develops in surrounding gum tissue, deep decay reaches the inner pulp chamber, or trauma has compromised the tooth’s internal structures.
Dr. Garrad uses digital x-rays and cone beam CT imaging to evaluate the extent of infection and plan treatment with precision.
How Crowns Protect Treated Teeth
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy no longer receives nutrients through its pulp and becomes more brittle over time. Without the protection of a crown, the tooth is vulnerable to fracture that can be severe enough to require extraction.
A crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth, distributing chewing forces evenly and protecting the remaining structure from damage. Placing a crown following root canal therapy is essential to the long-term survival of the tooth.
The Root Canal & Crown Process Step By Step
Root canal therapy is completed in one to two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of infection.
The Root Canal Process Involves:
- Administering local anesthesia for complete comfort
- Creating a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber
- Removing infected or damaged pulp tissue from the canals
- Cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting the canal system thoroughly
- Filling the canals with a biocompatible material
- Sealing the access opening with a temporary or permanent restoration
Following root canal completion and healing, a crown is placed to protect the tooth. Dr. Garrad prepares the tooth, takes digital impressions, and places a temporary crown while the permanent crown is fabricated. At the second appointment, the permanent crown is carefully fitted, adjusted, and permanently cemented.
Comfort, Anesthesia, & Modern Techniques
Effective local anesthesia ensures the tooth and surrounding tissue are completely numb before treatment begins. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation is available to provide additional relaxation throughout the procedure.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable root canal therapy is with modern anesthesia and technique. The procedure feels no different than a routine filling appointment for the vast majority of patients.
Recovery, Healing, & Aftercare
Mild tenderness in the days following root canal therapy is normal and typically resolves within several days. Most patients manage post-treatment discomfort comfortably with over-the-counter medication and return to normal activities the same day.
Post-treatment care includes:
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed
- Maintaining thorough oral hygiene around the treated area
- Attending the crown placement appointment as scheduled
Long-Term Success, & Tooth Preservation
With proper restoration and consistent maintenance, root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime. They function identically to natural teeth, require no special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, and provide outcomes that no replacement option can fully replicate.
Root canal therapy combined with crown placement is one of the most reliable ways to save a compromised tooth and avoid the need for extraction and replacement.
Save Your Tooth With Confidence
At Stone Street Dental, Dr. Garrad provides root canal therapy and crown placement with the precision, comfort, and clinical expertise that give every tooth the best possible chance of long-term survival.
Call our Greenville, TX office or book online to schedule your evaluation.