How long can i wait from root canal to crown?

Question

I got a root canal recently. The dentist said that i have to get a crown eventually. How long can i wait before having to do that?

Answer 1

I had a root canal recently. A week later I returned for post installation, and about 2 1/2 weeks later had the crown added. No issues.

Answer 2

It depends on which tooth and the amount of tooth structure left. 1.Back teeth
From the endodontic studies, posterior teeth (molars and premolars) should get crowns ASAP, unless your dentist said otherwise. Root canal treatments in posterior teeth have a higher success rate if a full coverage restoration (crown, onlay) has been placed. It doesn't matter what the amount of tooth structure is left. The reason why the crown helps is because it surrouns the tooth and disperse pressure on the entire tooth suface, preventing fracture.
2.Front teeth
On anterior teeth (incisor, canine), it depends on what is left of the tooth. You only need a crown if the tooth has many fillings or if it has many cracks (because of trauma).

Teeth with root canal treatment are not more brittle per se. They are prone to fracture because of the hole we made in the middle to get to the pulp (nerve). That hole splits the tooth in half, separating the cuspids (peaks on the top) of the cheek side from the one on the tongue or palate side. When you bite down, the pressure wants to split these apart.

After all this what is the answer? If needed, get the crown ASAP. If you can't for any reason, at least get a permanent filling (silver amalgam or white composite) within 15-30 days after the root canal treatment. Do not wait more than that, saliva will get back to the root canal and reinfect it. I suggest not getting a temporary crown or a stainless steel crown , as they leak and are not well adapted. The leakage will cause decay under the crown.

Answer 3

Just long enough for the root canal to heal. I took my son today and he actually had a root canal performed and the dentist said he could get a crown in about 1 month when his braces come off.

Answer 4

You should have the crown done ASAP only because now the tooth is in a fragile state and you do not want to risk fracturing it.
The tooth should also have the temp removed, a post put into the canal for strength and refilled before the prep work of the crown.

Answer 5

I am a dental assistant and I've seen some people wait for years to get a crown, however this is not recommended. I had one patient who actually waited close to 5 years to come back for his crown and I've gotta tell you when we took that temporary crown off I thought I was gonna pass out from the smell it was so gross & I had a mask on so you can imagine. After a while your breath will start to stink because food and bacteria will slowly like leak under your temporary crown because they aren't made out of a long lasting material it's sort of like a plastic tooth that you really shouldn't use like a tooth that's perminant they really shouldn't be used for chewing and it won't be in contact with the opposing tooth. Your dentist will sort of grind it down so that it won't be in contact. So to answer your question I wouldn't wait to much longer then you have to. Save that money cause your crown will cost about $600.-$800. depending. Good luck hope I've helped

Answer 6

speaking from personal experience, get the crown as soon as your dentist tells you too. I the great procrastinator waited six months, was eating a mouth full of spree and my incisor that had the root canal disintegrated.As soon as the root canal is done the tooth is dead, turns brittle and will break.

Answer 7

Listen to Lady X. You don't want to wait too long. I've seen where a patient had a root canal and less then a week later, he broke the tooth and it had to be extracted. If you are going to wait, be VERY careful chewing on that side. Avoid hard, crunchy things (like corn nuts and ice) and that will help.