What Happens if You Don’t Cap a Root Canal with a Filling or Crown?

January 26, 2025

Root canal treatments are performed to save a tooth that would otherwise be removed. While a root canal clears infection, decay or damage within the tooth pulp, this is only half the job. Once a root canal has been performed the tooth must be filled and then covered with a dental filling or dental crown to protect the inside of the tooth.

What happens if you don’t cap a root canal with a dental crown or filling? While some people think a root canal will solve their problem, not protecting the tooth will cause an array of issues immediately, let’s explore why capping the tooth is essential.

The vulnerability of a root canal treated tooth
After a root canal, the tooth is no longer alive because the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, has been removed. While this process saves the tooth from infection, it also leaves it more brittle and susceptible to damage. Without a protective filling or crown, this weakened tooth can easily crack, chip, or fracture.

In many cases, the best way to protect a tooth post-root canal is with a dental crown, which offers full coverage and support. However, some situations may call for a durable filling instead. Either way, leaving a root canal treated tooth uncapped leaves it at high risk of further damage, which could lead to losing the tooth entirely. There are 2 options for dental crowns, you can opt for a porcelain dental crown which is the most durable and robust, or a composite dental crown which is a more affordable option and lasts anywhere between 5-10 years. The material you choose will be dependant on budget, size of the root canal and your age.

Increased risk of re-infection
If a root canal treated tooth isn’t properly sealed with a filling or crown, bacteria can enter through the exposed tooth structure, potentially leading to re-infection. This can result in more pain, the need for another root canal, or even extraction. Regular dental hygiene and scheduling a dental checkup are key to preventing infections, but without the right protection, even the best efforts may not be enough.

Signs that this is occurring to a tooth whether it be unsealed or the dental crown is breaking down would be: sensitivity when drinking hot or cold drinks, pain when biting down or constant toothache.

The Importance of prompt care
Once your dentist confirms that your root canal has been successful, don’t delay in getting the recommended restoration. Whether you’re looking for a dentist in Andover, a dentist in Poole, or a dentist in Hampshire, Smile Circle can help you find the “best dentist near you” to complete the process. Both NHS dentists and private dentists in our network can offer the care you need to ensure long-lasting, successful results.

Most dentists will make arrangements to place your filling or dental crown immediately to ensure no infection reoccurs. They will likely do a temporary filling before they fit the final crown for you.

Don’t neglect your post-root canal care
If you have had a root canal and haven’t yet capped the tooth with a dental crown or filling, make sure you act sooner rather than later. Delaying the capping can lead to infection or even tooth loss.

Smile Circle
Smile Circle is a network of recommended dentists in the Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and even Mumbai areas! We help connect you to dentists you know you can trust. Whether you’re searching for root canal treatment or dental implant treatment, we can help to connect you to dental experts such as Dental Concepts UK.

At Smile Circle, our purpose is to “create that perfect and confident smile” through dental awareness, prevention and curative care.

Founded by Dr Manish Chitnis, Smile Circle understood a decade ago that there was a need to help patients address dental problems like cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. If unattended, these would impact an individual’s overall confidence, mental and emotional health. He brought together a group of trained healthcare professionals to provide the best experience to the patients. Over the last 10 years, Smile Circle is proud to have brought more than 20,000 plus smiles on happy faces across the UK.

Today, they work collaboratively to ensure unique experiences for the clients. Driven by our core values of trust, integrity & honesty, Smile Circle dental treatments are considered safe, hygienic and effective by our patients.

At Smile Circle, we understand how important it is to receive quality care from a professional you trust. If you’re searching for the “best dentist near me” or a “dentist near me”, look no further. Our team can connect you with a dentist in Dorset, Hampshire, or elsewhere, ensuring you find the right support for all your dental needs.

For more information on finding a dentist near you, visit smilecircle.com. Smile Circle can help you find a dental professional to guide you through the process of protecting your root canal treatment. Whether you’re seeking an NHS dentist or a private dentist, we have a network of awesome dentists ready to help you with general to cosmetic dentistry.