A tooth needing a root canal usually has a large filling or lots of decay and most of the original tooth is gone. During a root canal, a hole is drilled though the natural crown. The hole goes all the way through the center of the crown into the roots and the root canal is done through this hole. The drilled out area inside the tooth is called the core of the crown.

          All molar teeth need a dental crown after a root canal. For the crown to be successful, it must have a good foundation. The core build up provides this support. It also replaces the original shape of the tooth so that it will be easier to design a crown.

          After a root canal is done, all of the old filling and decay are removed. This leaves a shell of a tooth and a core build up replaces the missing tooth material. The remaining tooth is cleaned and special composite filling materials or dental amalgam are placed into the core. The material replaces all of the missing tooth and strengthens what's left to preventing breakage.

          However, dentists do not always place a core build up in all teeth before constructing a crown. Unfortunately, the lack of a core build up sometimes leads to the fracture and loss of the underlying tooth. Saving a little money now can often lead to a disaster later.

          If you are having dental problems and would like to consult with our senior Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky or Dr Jeffrey Stephen Smith, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.