by M.Vega

Created on: April 07, 2009

Getting a root canal done before tooth restoration, depends on the tooth. If the decay in the tooth has gone to the root, then in order to get it restored you must get a root canal. Keep in mind that once a Root Canal treatment is done, the tooth will no longer be a living tooth, and therefore restoration must be done.

Waiting until you feel pain in a tooth before you go to a dentist, is the worst thing anyone can do. Once you start to feel pain, it is very likely that the decay has already reached the surface of the root of the tooth.

Tooth restorations, such as a simple filling, most likely doesn't need Root Canal Therapy. On the other hand, if the tooth has a lot of decay, a simple filling is not best. Root Canal Therapy, involves removal of the root of the tooth, once the root is remove, the blood source that flows to the tooth stops. This is why after a Root Canal it is always best to get a crown on top of the tooth. In some cases after the Root Canal treatment is done, a Post and Core build up is necessary, due to the fact that there is not enough crown on the tooth to put an artificial crown on top. Post and Core, is where the dentist will insert a tiny pin into the root, and use Core material to build up the tooth. After, the dentist will take an impression, to get a mold of the tooth. The dentist will then make an artificial crown that you can wear until the laboratory fabricated crown arrives.

Once the blood stops flowing to the tooth, it becomes a dead tooth. If left as is, with just the Root canal Therapy and no crown, it is most likely going to get brittle and begin to crack off. At that point the only thing left is for the removal of the tooth.

The goal is to try and keep all of your teeth for as long as you possibly can. Having a Root Canal done in order to keep your natural tooth is best. Some people do not have the option of getting a root canal. Some insurances do not pay for this type of procedure, in these case the only option is for the removal of the tooth.

Everyone can keep their teeth, even people who have health insurance that does not cover all procedures. In order to keep all of our teeth, we must have regular check ups every six months. I realize that this can be hard for some people, due to a fear of the dentist but this is a must in order to maintain healthy teeth. So for those who are afraid of the dentist, please do not wait until you start to feel pain because in most cases pain is a sign of decay already entering the root.

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