A tooth that needs a root canal usually has a very large filling or a lot of decay. This means that most of the original tooth is gone. During a root canal, a hole is drilled though the top natural crown. The hole extends 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 must have a dental crown made after a root canal. For the crown to be successful, it must have a good foundation to support it. The core build up provides this support. The core build up also replaces the original shape of the tooth so that it will be easier to later design a crown for it.

          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 core build up replaces all of the missing tooth. The core build up also strengthens what's left to preventing it from breaking.

          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 a dentist, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.