
Did you know that after a root canal, your tooth benefits from additional protection to maintain its strength and functionality?
In Australia, dental experts recommend placing a crown after root canal treatment. A dental crown provides essential reinforcement, restoring the tooth’s durability and ensuring long-term health.
Let’s examine how a dental crown ensures your smile’s longevity and the role of root canal aftercare in tooth recovery.
Protecting Your Tooth After a Root Canal
Root canal aftercare ensures proper healing, prevents infection, and maintains the tooth’s functionality. The procedure removes infected tissue, leaving the tooth fragile and susceptible to damage without care like hygiene, follow-ups, or a protective dental crown.
Purpose and Function of a Dental Crown After Root Canal
A dental crown is essential after a root canal. It protects the treated tooth, restores its strength, and ensures long-term functionality. Here are reasons why it’s vital for maintaining oral health.
1. Reinforces and Restores Your Tooth
A root canal saves your tooth but leaves it weakened. A crown restores its structure and function, letting you chew and smile confidently once again.
2. Protects and Strengthens the Tooth
A crown acts like armour for your tooth, fully covering it to prevent cracks or breaks. This extra support ensures your tooth can handle daily use.
3. Prevents Future Decay or Cracking
A crown seals the tooth, blocking bacteria and stopping further decay. It also safeguards against fractures, keeping the tooth strong and healthy.
Necessity for Crowning Different Types of Teeth :
Type of Tooth | Reason for Crowning | Details |
Back Teeth (Molars) | Require crowns due to high chewing pressure. | Back teeth handle significant forces daily. Crowns protect and prevent fractures. |
Front Teeth (Incisors & Canines) | They may not need crowns, depending on stress levels. | Front teeth experience less stress. Crowns are only necessary if the tooth is weakened. |
You might like reading about Root Canal Treatment Costs in Australia.
Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Tooth Structure

When you hear the term “root canal,” it’s easy to focus on the relief it brings from pain or infection. What’s less discussed is what happens to your tooth after the procedure. Let’s explore the structural changes that occur and what they mean for your dental health.
1. A Hollow and Weakened Tooth
During a root canal, the infected pulp inside your tooth is removed. While this is essential for saving the tooth, it leaves the inside hollow. This space weakens the overall structure, making your tooth more fragile and prone to damage over time.
2. Increased Risk of Fractures
The pulp isn’t just there for show—it provides essential support. Without it, your tooth loses some of its natural strength. This makes it more susceptible to cracks or fractures, especially if you bite down on something hard.
3. A ‘Dead’ and Brittle Tooth
Once the pulp is removed, your tooth is no longer living tissue. This doesn’t mean it’s useless—it still functions—but it becomes more brittle. If not adequately protected, this brittleness can lead to further complications over time.
Benefits of Using a Dental Crown

If you’ve had a dental procedure like a root canal or a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. It’s more than just a cap—it’s essential to protecting and restoring your tooth. Let’s explain why crowns are such a valuable investment for your smile.
1. Strengthens Fragile Teeth Post-Procedure
After treatments like root canals, teeth are left weaker than before. A dental crown acts like a protective barrier, giving teeth the strength to handle daily chewing and biting. It prevents cracks and breaks, ensuring teeth stay functional and secure.
2. Reduces Temperature Sensitivity
Exposed or treated teeth often become sensitive to hot and cold foods. A crown covers the entire tooth surface, insulating and reducing that sharp, uncomfortable sensation when you sip your coffee or enjoy ice cream.
Why a Dental Crown is Worth It?
Here’s a quick overview of what a crown can do for you:
- Strengthen: Reinforces and protects fragile teeth.
- Comfort: Reduces sensitivity to temperature changes.
- Aesthetic: Restores your smile to its natural beauty.
With a dental crown, you’re not just fixing a tooth—you’re preserving the health and appearance of your smile. It’s a small step with big rewards.
Types and Process of Dental Crowns
If you’re considering a dental crown, it helps to know what’s available and what to expect. Whether you need durability, aesthetics, or speed, crowns offer a tailored solution for your smile.
1. Traditional Crowns vs. CEREC Crowns
Traditional crowns require multiple visits. Your dentist takes an impression, sends it to a lab, and places the crown at a second appointment. This method is reliable but takes time.
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns, on the other hand, are made on a single visit. Using advanced 3D imaging, your dentist designs, mills, and fits the crown—all while you’re still in the chair.
- Traditional Crowns:
- Typically, it requires multiple visits.
- Cost ranges between AUD 1,200 and $2,500 per tooth.
- Pricing depends on the material used and the complexity of the case.
- CEREC Crowns:
- Crafted and fitted in a single visit using advanced 3D imaging.
- Cost generally ranges from AUD 1,200 to $2,000 per tooth.
- Offers convenience and efficiency without compromising quality.
Consulting your dentist will help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget.
2. Advantages of CEREC Crowns for Same-Day Service
The biggest advantage? No waiting. You leave the office with your crown fitted and ready to go. There’s no need for temporary crowns or follow-up appointments. It’s fast, convenient, and just as durable as traditional crowns.
3. Materials Used: Gold, Silver, Resin, and More
Crowns come in a variety of materials to suit your needs:
- Gold and Silver: Strong, durable, and ideal for back teeth.
- Porcelain or Ceramic: Blends seamlessly with natural teeth for a natural look.
- Resin: Affordable but less durable, often used for temporary crowns.
- Metal Alloys: A mix of strength and cost-effectiveness.
Each material has its pros and cons. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your tooth’s location, function, and preferences.
Which Crown is Right for You?
Dental crowns aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s a good thing. You get a solution tailored to protect and restore your smile.
- Traditional Crowns: Time-tested and reliable but require multiple visits.
- CEREC Crowns: Same-day service, no temporaries, and high convenience.
- Material Choices: Match durability, aesthetics, and budget to your needs.
Dental crowns will have aesthetic and structural benefits after a root canal treatment.
Choosing the right crown isn’t just about convenience or looks—it’s about safeguarding your dental health. A treated tooth remains vulnerable to damage and complications without a dental crown. Here’s what could happen if you skip this step.
Consequences of Not Using a Dental Crown
When your dentist recommends a dental crown, it’s not just for show. Skipping this critical step can lead to severe issues that affect your tooth’s health and longevity. Here’s what could happen if you leave a treated tooth unprotected.
1. Increased Risk of Tooth Cracking
Like one after a root canal, a treated tooth is left weaker and more vulnerable. Even everyday activities like chewing can cause cracks or fractures without a crown. Once a tooth cracks, repairing it becomes much more complicated; sometimes, it must be removed.
2. Potential for Future Bacterial Infections
Without a crown, the exposed tooth is an open invitation for bacteria. Tiny cracks or damage can let bacteria seep in, leading to decay or infection. Left untreated, this can spread to other areas of your mouth, creating more significant problems.
3. Possible Compromise of Tooth Integrity
A dental crown acts as a shield, holding the structure of your tooth together. Without it, the tooth’s integrity weakens, increasing the risk of breakage or loss. This could lead to more invasive treatments, like extractions or implants, to fix the damage later.
Here is everything you need to know about Root Canal Treatment at Greenvale Dental Group.
Choosing the Right Crown for Your Dental Health
Selecting the appropriate dental crown protects and restores teeth after treatments like root canals. Understanding your options and consulting with your dentist ensure that your dental health remains strong and functional for years. Greenvale Dental Group offers expert care tailored to your unique needs. With modern facilities and same-day CEREC crown solutions, we make restoring your smile convenient, durable, and efficient. Take the first step toward a healthier smile—schedule your consultation with us today!

Dr Soraya is the principal dentist and owner of Greenvale Dental Group with over 25 years’ experience in the field of dentistry.
Soraya’s areas of treatment include general dentistry, dental emergencies, dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and crown and bridge dentures.
You can find more about Dr. Soraya Eakins through her LinkedIn, or you can book an appointment with her through HotDoc.