When Can You Get a Root Canal With No Crown?
Dental crowns provide some fantastic benefits. In fact, a study in the Journal of Endodontics found a 90% survival rate for teeth placed with crowns after a root canal procedure. However, a dental crown isn’t always necessary. Ask yourself some of these questions to see if you would benefit from a crown:
- Where is the tooth located? If the tooth receiving a root canal is in the back – so your molars or premolars — the chances are greater you’ll need a dental crown. This is because these teeth must withstand all the pressure of chewing and grinding, so they might require the extra strength a crown can provide. On the other hand, the front teeth — your canines and incisors — might be perfectly fine without a crown, depending on the level of excavation.
- What is the condition of the tooth? The more injured or infected the tooth, the greater likelihood that you will need a dental crown. If the dentist or endodontist must excavate a large amount of the tooth during the root canal procedure, you will probably need a crown to reinforce the tooth. Molars and premolars that maintain a large amount of tooth and are at low risk for fracture might still be suitable for filling-only restorations after a root canal.
- Has this tooth been restored before? Similarly, if the tooth has undergone several restoration procedures — including the root canal — it will most likely need a crown to maintain its appearance and function.
In the end, your dental professional will help you determine the best option for restoring a tooth after a root canal. If you’re worried about the cost or appearance of a crown, bring those concerns to your dental professional so you can work together to find the best solution for your smile.