Over 60% of people are afraid of going to the dentist. Fear of pain, sterile environments, and the unknown are all great factors in this phobia.
Dental work can be confusing and daunting. The fact is, leaving a dental issue uncared for could cause you bigger problems down the road.
You may be considering a root canal or installing a dental crown. When debating root canal vs crown, how do you know which option is best for you?
Keep reading for all the differences between a root canal and crown that you should know about before speaking with your dentist.
Difference Between Root Canal and Crown
You don’t always need a root canal to get a crown. Yet you will always need a crown after a root canal.
A crown is just a customized tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth. A dentist will take a mold of the tooth it’s going to be placed on for optimal fit.
Depending on the dentist, it could take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to make your crown. Until it’s made, a temporary crown is put over your tooth.
A root canal is a much more intensive procedure. It’s a way to save infected or dramatically decayed teeth.
The dentist will first remove the nerve of the tooth. After it’s removed, the inside of the canals is sterilized and cleaned out.
After a root canal, a filling is placed inside the tooth. You will then need to return to get a dental crown placed over the tooth.
How much is a root canal and crown?
Depending on the dentist and the particular procedure, a root canal can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500. Depending on the material of your crown, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 on average.
When You Need a Crown
Dental crowns are the most common restorative dental procedure in the United States. When deciding your needs between crown versus root canal, consider the severity of your tooth pain.
Crowns are perfect for broken teeth or teeth with complications due to a filling. These complications can include weakened teeth or recurrent decay on your tooth with a filling.
Crowns are also great cosmetic tools. If you have a chipped or strange-looking tooth, a dental crown can fix the issue.
When You Need a Root Canal
One in four Americans has had at least one root canal procedure in their life. Twenty-four percent of those people said it was only somewhat painful.
Either way, holding off on a root canal can cause bigger problems later on. When deciding on root canal vs crown, consider this.
You’ll need a root canal if your tooth decay has reached the nerves of your tooth. If your tooth has an abscess or has endured trauma, a root canal is a right option.
You also may need a root canal if another tooth procedure has caused irreversible pulpits.
Save Your Smile
By now you should know the difference between a root canal and crown. Now it’s time to get those teeth back to working order.
Ivy Rose Family Dentistry is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles. Give us a call or schedule an appointment and we’ll be happy to help.
