When does a tooth need a crown after root canal?

Almost always for back teeth (molars and premolars). Root canal treatment removes the pulp, which weakens the tooth structure. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking under chewing pressure. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling alone.

Can a decayed tooth always be saved?

Not always. If decay has reached the pulp, a root canal can save the tooth. If the tooth structure is too damaged to support a crown, extraction may be the only option. Dr. Srishti always assesses every option before recommending removal.

What is oral prophylaxis and how often should I get it done?

Oral prophylaxis is a professional cleaning that removes tartar and plaque deposits that cannot be removed by brushing at home. It should be done every 6 months. Skipping it allows tartar to build up, which leads to gum disease and bone loss over time.

Meet Our Dentists At Aspen Dentals

About

About Dr. Srishti Sinha

Most dental problems do not start as emergencies. They start as small things — a filling that was put off, a cleaning that was skipped, a sensitivity that was ignored. Dr. Srishti Sinha's work is largely about catching those small things before they become something bigger.

As a general dentist, she covers the full range of everyday dental care — fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, professional cleanings and routine check-ups. She is often the first point of contact for patients at Aspen Dentals, and the doctor who coordinates with specialists when a case needs more advanced care.

She sees patients at Aspen Dentals, Gurgaon — at both the Sector 53 (South Point Mall) and Sector 65 (M3M Tee Point) clinics, 7 days a week.

Signs you should book an appointment now — not later

Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets that lingers more than a few seconds
Toothache — dull, sharp or throbbing — at any time of day
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
A tooth that feels loose or has shifted position
Swelling or a lump anywhere in your mouth or jaw
A filling, crown or bridge that has come loose or fallen out

Qualifications

Education & Training

BDS — Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Training in restorative dentistry — fillings, crowns, bridges
Proficient in root canal treatment for single and multi-rooted teeth
Experienced in surgical and non-surgical extractions
Trained in oral prophylaxis and gum health management

What she treats

Treatments Dr. Srishti Provides

From a routine check-up to a root canal, Dr. Srishti handles the full scope of general dental care. Click any treatment to learn more.

Dental FillingsTooth-coloured composite fillings to restore decayed or chipped teeth

Root Canal TreatmentSaving infected or deeply decayed teeth — painless under local anaesthesia

Dental CrownsProtecting weakened or root canal treated teeth from cracking under pressure

Tooth ExtractionsSimple and surgical extractions including wisdom teeth — always a last resort

Oral ProphylaxisProfessional scaling and cleaning to remove tartar and protect gum health

Dental BridgeReplacing a missing tooth using the support of the neighbouring teeth

Dental BondingQuick repair for chipped, cracked or slightly gapped teeth using composite resin

Routine Check-upFull dental examination, X-rays if needed, and an oral health plan going forward

Most asked about

What Actually Happens During a Root Canal

Root canal treatment has a reputation that is far worse than the reality. Most patients who have had one say it felt no different from getting a filling. Here is what happens, step by step.

1

Local anaesthesia The tooth and surrounding area are numbed completely. You will feel pressure but no pain throughout the procedure.

2

Removing the infected pulp The nerve and infected tissue inside the tooth are removed through a small opening. This is what stops the pain.

3

Cleaning and shaping the canals The inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped and disinfected so no infection remains.

4

Filling and sealing The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material and sealed to prevent re-infection.

5

Crown placement For back teeth, a crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it from breaking under chewing force.

Most root canals are completed in 1 to 2 sittings. The tooth may feel slightly tender for a day or two after — this is normal and settles on its own. Over-the-counter pain relief is enough for most patients.

Prevention

How to Avoid Most Dental Problems

The majority of dental problems Dr. Srishti sees every day are preventable. A few habits, done consistently, will save you from most of them.

Brush twice a day — morning and before bed — for at least 2 minutes each time
Floss once a day — brushing alone misses 35% of the tooth surface where cavities form between teeth
Use a fluoride toothpaste — it actively strengthens enamel and slows cavity formation
Cut back on sugary and acidic drinks — including fruit juice, not just soft drinks
Visit the dentist every 6 months — even if nothing hurts

Most common mistake: Waiting until something hurts. By the time a tooth is painful, the decay has usually reached the nerve — which means a root canal rather than a simple filling. A 6-month check-up catches it at the filling stage.

Questions patients ask most

Frequently Asked Questions

Every 6 months for most adults. If you are cavity-prone, have gum issues, or wear braces, your dentist may recommend every 3 to 4 months. Regular visits catch problems early — before they become painful or expensive to fix. Skipping check-ups rarely saves money; it almost always costs more in treatment later.

No. Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia so you feel no pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised at how straightforward it is — it feels similar to getting a filling. The tooth may feel slightly sensitive for a day or two after, which settles on its own. The pain people associate with root canal is the toothache before the procedure, not the procedure itself.

Almost always for back teeth — molars and premolars. Root canal treatment removes the pulp, which weakens the tooth structure significantly. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking under chewing pressure. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling alone, but Dr. Srishti will advise based on how much natural tooth structure remains.

Not always. If decay has reached the pulp, a root canal can usually save the tooth. If the tooth structure is too damaged to support a crown — or if there is significant bone loss around the root — extraction may be the only option. Dr. Srishti always explores every option before recommending removal, and will discuss tooth replacement options such as implants or a bridge at the same appointment.

Oral prophylaxis is a professional cleaning that removes tartar and hardened plaque deposits that cannot be removed by brushing at home. Tartar forms when plaque is not removed and hardens on the tooth surface over time — no amount of brushing removes it once it has set. It should be done every 6 months. Leaving tartar untreated leads to gum inflammation, gum recession and eventually bone loss around the teeth.

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