“Do I always need a crown with a root canal?”
I was reading an article about this, and they said that crowns aren't always necessary--especially for teeth that are more towards the back or canines. Why aren't they necessary for these types of teeth?
9 Answers
Almost always
The main reason for a crown after a root canal is to protect the tooth from fracture requiring extraction. What typically determines if a crown is needed or not is how big the carious lesion or fracture was as well as how much tooth structure was removed for the root canal. It is important to have coverage for a tooth that is under substantial forces to prevent the aforementioned fracture. I hope this helps.
There are many factors that may influence the need of a crown on a tooth that has had a root canal. But it is more frequent for a front tooth to not need a crown than a molar or premolar. Front teeth will not take as much force when chewing. If the tooth is compromised from either decay or large restorations then a crown is often indicated. Depending on the amount of tooth structure missing the tooth may require a "build up" along with a crown.
If the tooth is a molar, I almost always recommend a crown due to the force patients put on these teeth. If the tooth is an incisor or canine and does not have a large existing restoration, a lot of times I will hold off on recommending a crown.
More often, we usually recommend a crown on your root canal treated tooth, in a few situations maybe not. Usually, if you didn't have a large cavity, therefore a large filling, however, you have a risk of splitting the tooth if you don't get the crown.
Are you willing to assume this risk, if you bite on a hard piece of food or candy?
Are you willing to assume this risk, if you bite on a hard piece of food or candy?
Depends how large the filling is after the root canal. If it is too big, I prefer to crown the tooth so it doesn't crack.
The short answer is NO. But each situation needs to be evaluated based upon its own circumstances. Some of the factors that comprise the final decision are how much of the tooth was destroyed as a result of needing the root canal treatment; how much force does the root canal tooth receive from chewing, which is determined by where in your mouth the tooth is located; but it also depends upon the condition of adjacent teeth, and their ability to function effectively. As a general rule, most molars are best suggested to be covered with a crown following root canal therapy. But every rule has its exceptions. And in any event, you should be informed of the risks versus rewards of placing the crown or not on the root canal treated tooth. Your dentist should be able to supply this information for you. Good luck with making the correct decision in your specific circumstance.
The amount of solid tooth structure remaining after root canal treatment determines the need for a crown. Teeth in the back of your mouth take a lot of stress when you chew, so they need to be crowned more frequently. Teeth also tend to become more brittle (with time) after root canal treatment, so if there is any question, you are better off crowning the tooth.
There are several reasons for getting a crown after a root canal. These include:
1-Usually, after advanced decay, a tooth needs a root canal. With huge cavities, almost all of the main part of the tooth is gone. This amount of damage to the tooth structure doesn’t let the dentist restore the tooth properly. A crown can help with the final restoration.
2-For cavity preparation, removing the roof of the pulp chamber is required. Otherwise, finding the canals and getting access for cleaning and shaping the canals is impossible. More explanation is available at my website page "Ask Your Dentist" https://www.atozdentalcare.com/ask-your-dentist/
3-Pulp chamber roof removal compromises
1-Usually, after advanced decay, a tooth needs a root canal. With huge cavities, almost all of the main part of the tooth is gone. This amount of damage to the tooth structure doesn’t let the dentist restore the tooth properly. A crown can help with the final restoration.
2-For cavity preparation, removing the roof of the pulp chamber is required. Otherwise, finding the canals and getting access for cleaning and shaping the canals is impossible. More explanation is available at my website page "Ask Your Dentist" https://www.atozdentalcare.com/ask-your-dentist/
3-Pulp chamber roof removal compromises
