Does Every Crown Need a Root Canal?

The relationship between a root canal and a crown is often misunderstood. To help you sort it out, here are the facts:

• A root canal (or what is actually root canal therapy) is not necessarily required in order to place a dental crown. A dental crown is often placed on a living tooth (a tooth that has not undergone root canal therapy). 
• Crowns are often used on non-root-canal-treated teeth that are structurally compromised. The tooth may have cracks, cavities, or large fillings that have affected the integrity of the tooth and made a dental crown the best option for preserving the living tooth.
• Sometimes, a root canal may be required prior to placement of a crown so that a post can be placed inside the root canal. A tooth that is badly broken or decayed, with very little tooth structure remaining above the gumline, requires additional support for a dental crown. In these cases, root canal therapy will be needed in order to allow the dentist to place a post that will support the dental crown. Just as the canal space provides retention for the post, the post will provide retention for a crown.
• In most circumstances, teeth that have had root canal therapy for whatever reason do require coverage with a crown. This is because:
  • A tooth that needs root canal therapy is often already badly broken down. 
  • Following root canal therapy, teeth are especially prone to cracking, often seriously and beyond repair. 

 Keep reading to learn more about the root canal, endodontic disease, and root canal therapy and dental crowns, and to brush up on the anatomy and structure of a tooth. If you still have questions about root canals, crowns, or anything else, come see us!

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