How to Know If You Need a Crown After a Root Canal

A root canal is the natural cavity in the dentin of a tooth that contains the dental pulp. It is also the common term for endodontic therapy to remove the structures within the root canal. The tooth is frequently restored after the root canal in a procedure called a crown.

Instructions

• 1

  Expect to need a crown after a root canal in most cases. Removal of the pulp leaves the tooth in a brittle condition, but a properly performed crown is a highly predictable procedure.

• 2

  Place a crown after a root canal most often for molars. This is almost always done on molars to prevent fractures because molars receive the most stress.

• 3

  Create a crown less often when a large amount of enamel remains. A crown may not be needed if there is enough enamel left on the tooth to hold it together.

• 4

  Undergo a post and core if there is enough tooth structure remaining after the root canal. A post is a thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth and a core is the buildup around the post. The purpose of this procedure is to replace the lost tooth structure. In some cases, only a core will be done.

• 5

  Insert a one piece inlay/onlay restoration using porcelain after a root canal. This is a newer procedure but is considered the definitive treatment in some practices.