You’ve received root canal therapy on your tooth, now what? Dr. Scott Norton (practicing Endodontist in Louisville, KY) always stresses to his patients that a final restoration needs to be placed soon after a root canal. Four weeks or less is the optimal time to have your tooth permanently restored.
After root canal therapy is complete, Dr. Norton refers his patients back to their general dentist for the permanent restoration. At that time, the general dentist will determine what type of permanent restoration should be placed.
Having an endodontically treated tooth restored as soon as possible is of high importance. When you leave Dr. Norton’s office, you will have a temporary restoration covering the endo access (opening in your tooth, through which your root canal was performed). The temporary restoration is just that: temporary. The temporary is not as strong as a permanent restoration and will break down over time. If an endodontically treated tooth has not been restored soon enough, it can allow bacteria to leak down into the tooth, causing crown down leakage. Crown down leakage is where bacteria enters the crown of your tooth (biting surface) and leaks down into the roots causing an infection. This reinfection could compromise your root canal and the tooth might need to be retreated.
If you have a tooth that has recently had a root canal, make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for your permanent restoration. Protect your investment and help ensure the health and longevity of your tooth.