Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Why back teeth need protection
Molars and premolars take heavy chewing forces. After decay, previous fillings and the access cavity made for root canal treatment, the walls of the tooth can be thin. Without a crown, a cusp can break off or the tooth can split, sometimes below the gum, which may mean it can no longer be kept. A crown covers the cusps and spreads the load, and a well-fitting crown also helps seal the tooth against bacteria leaking back into the canals.
When a filling may be enough
- Front teeth where most of the tooth is still intact
- Back teeth with no opposing teeth, or that take only light biting forces because of misalignment
How soon?
As early as about one week after the root canal is completed. The longer a back tooth is left with only a temporary filling, the greater the risk of an accidental fracture. Until the crown is fitted, chew on the other side and avoid hard food on that tooth.
What getting a crown involves
- Preparation. A core build-up is placed to rebuild the inside of the tooth, then the tooth is shaped and a digital scan or impression is taken. A temporary crown is fitted.
- Fitting. The permanent crown is checked for fit and bite, then cemented.
This is usually two visits.
Paying for the crown
- CHAS: permanent crowns are CHAS-claimable, up to 4 crowns per calendar year. See CHAS subsidies.
- Flexi-MediSave: patients aged 60 and above can use up to $400 a year towards root canal treatment and permanent crowns, after the CHAS subsidy. See Flexi-MediSave.
- At Toothsmith the crown fee is quoted at your consultation, after the tooth has been assessed.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t put a crown on after a root canal?
A back tooth without a crown is at higher risk of breaking. Some fractures can be repaired, but a split down the root usually means the tooth has to be removed, losing the benefit of the root canal treatment.
Can I get the crown much later?
It is best not to wait. The risk of a fracture rises the longer the tooth goes unprotected.
Does a front tooth need a crown after a root canal?
Often not. Front teeth take less chewing force, so a filling may be enough if most of the tooth is intact. A crown may still be advised if the tooth is heavily filled or discoloured.
How long does a crown last?
With good cleaning and regular checks, crowns commonly last many years. Grinding, decay at the edge of the crown and gum disease shorten their life.
Questions about your teeth?
Book a check-up. You will hear what we find, the options and the fee before anything is done.