Many of us know about the root canal therapy. It is the
procedure that is aimed at removing infected tissues and nerves from the inner
chamber of an infected tooth in order to prevent infection from spreading
further. While this procedure itself is quite important to maintain integrity
of the tooth, the importance of restoration after the procedure cannot be
overlooked.
Infection usually starts with a cavity. An injury to the
tooth can also serve as a precursor to the infections that can make the
condition of any tooth quite miserable. While there is always a non-invasive
way to deal with the infection before it reaches the tooth pulp, there is no
option left for a dentist other than root canal when the infection reaches the
tooth pulp.
A root canal treatment typically involves drilling of a hole
from the chewing surface of the tooth. This hole makes a tunnel which reaches
the infected area of the tooth pulp. The main purpose of this tunnel is to make
the removal of infected pulp possible. The infected pulp is removed and the
emptied chamber is filled with a medicated material in order to avoid further
infection.
Above mentioned is the major part of root canal procedure
but it is not complete yet. There is an effective restoration needed for the
tooth to remain strong, functional and aesthetically normal. Normal root canal
involves drilling of a hole to remove the tooth pulp. If this drilling of hole
is the only structural damage done to the tooth, the only restoration needed is
the filling of the tooth.
However, the root canal procedure can get complicated when
there is major structural damage to the tooth already done due to cavity or
tooth decay. In this scenario, filling is not going to restore the tooth.
Crowning seems to be the most suitable option in order to ensure proper
restoration of the tooth. Prior to crowning, the dentist may choose to build up
a base for the crown to sit well. This buildup can also be referred to as core.
To hold the core in place, a metal or ceramic post may be used.
A post can be pre-made in order to use with the core. Or the
core and the post can be custom-made in case the patient has specific
requirements. The second scenario, in which custom-made objects are used, is
considered when there is sufficient damage done to the tooth and only extensive
measures can save it. This entire work is done after taking proper
measurements. When the tooth is fixed with the help of core and post, a
custom-made crown is attached to finalize the treatment.
