Is it necessary to get a root canal before having a tooth crowned? What are the pros & cons of not having one?

Question

I'm having some teeth crowned, but the dentist is not doing root canals. I thought that a root canal was required before crowning a tooth. I've got temporaries on right now - should I ask him to do root canals before installing the permanent crowns? Or is it better to keep the root? I'm embarrassed to ask my dentist because I don't want him to feel that I don't think he knows his job, but I've had crowns before and my old dentist always did a root canal before putting a crown on the tooth. Can anybody help?

Answer 1

Not always, that is a myth I'm always clearing up. Your dentist should be properly trained on when a root canal is necessary, which would also mean you need a post, which also means at least $1,000 more.

If your tooth structure is compromised by say a large cavity or something else, then you would need one. The reason is that the final crown needs something to hold on to while it maintains its function. When you prep a tooth for a crown, you need at least 2mm of tooth (in height) to work with, or the Restoration might fail. If you didn't, you would get a root canal done to avoid the pressure of compression forces directly on the pulp. That is why root canals are done. Then to reinforce to root, they place a post in your tooth, cement it on and use a composite filling to build up your tooth so that they have enough to work with.

Your other crowns might have needed root canals, but there is no way for me to tell you from here.

Answer 2

You do not always have to have a root canal when having a crown. It depends on whether or not the nerve in the root of the tooth has died. The dentist can tell if this has happened or not by looking at x-rays of your tooth and the symptoms you may have been having(such as pain in the form of pressure or when eating something hot or cold). Don't be afraid to ask your dentist why he is not doing the root canal. He will probably be happy to talk with you about it and asking will help put your mind at ease. Plus, he probably has had to answer questions similar to your before. Good luck:)

Answer 3

it's the other way around. A tooth that is having a root canal is required to be crowned. Teeth that have huge fillings that the tooth no longer supports neet to be crowned, but the pulp chamber is still fine. A crown is just for strenght and support. He's the doctor, so i would trust him. If you needed a root canal he'd let you know. You probably just either don't remember the circumstances for needing RCT for the other crowns, or procedures were differant for those particular crowns. I say just don't say anything. Once you get the crown on, and find out way down the road that you do need a RCT, it can be done without having to remove the crown. Besides a RCT cost $700+ more. So you doc is saving you money he could be getting. Doctors are really very helpful people, and they become doctors to help people. If you feel you should get a second opinion, go ahead and do it, just don't say anything to your current dentist about it. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Catbird,

I am not a dentist, but I have two crowns in my mouth (for more than 20 years each) and neither tooth had root canal.

I had one misadventure in 1988 - seems there was a little hole beneath the crown and food got in. I ran to a dentist I did not know who wanted to do a root canal on the spot. I said no. I went back to my own dentist and he gave me an antibiotic - it was all that was needed, and it's been fine ever since.

The enamel on my teeth had come up short, and more poor judgement on how to take care of them as a child left them shattered. The crowns have kept what was left in tact -- and everything is fine.

I think you have a dentist that is only treating what is needed to be treated and not wasting time or money. You are very lucky.

BTW - I was told that if I needed a root canal, they would do it right through the crown and a filling would be placed on top of it.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

only if the tooth needs ,the dentist will provide this information, but some will crown it if it looks bad but you don't have pain or swelling, this happened to my wife they crowned two of her teeth and three years later, the tooth rotted under it so now she has two fake teeth where the other teeth used to be, cause she had a cavities and they should have had a root canal it kill the tooth to prevent and rotting or infection or pain but a good Dentist is a real tooth Dr, and should know the best advice get a second or third opinion, OK, take care,

Answer 6

A root canal is only needed if the nerve (pulp) is exposed by the cavity, trauma, or the preparation of the tooth for the crown. Sometimes it is necessary to expose the nerve when preparing the tooth for the crown due to the position of the tooth. If the nerve is not exposed, then there is no need for the root canal. Many teeth with large cavities or a large portion missing due to trauma need crowns, but not root canals.

Answer 7

Just because a tooth is getting a crown does not automatically mean that it needs a root canal treatment. This depends strictly on conditions in your mouth that we can not possibly judge without seeing you.

So far, all of the above answers are correct and excellent.

Answer 8

Stop worrying he is trying to save you some bucks. If root canal was needed he would have done it right away.
In case you develop some problem (very rare) root canal can always be done after removing the crown temporarily.
Stop worrying and try to save some bucks and a vital teeth.

Answer 9

I don't have the medical answer to your question. But I will tell you"This is your body, You have all the rights to question when some one is touching it. It's better to have a clear understanding what's about to be done to you and not be in the know. This could cost you your life. Don't take it lightly because it's dental work. I have heard of a death cause by a dentist are from dental work.. Ask many questions, It's o:k to check on his credentials. This is not time to worry about his feelings. If he is offended because you asked Then he is not the dentist to use anyway. Take care of yourself and remember second opinions are always in order if you feel any way insecure, and other dentists are available also".

Answer 10

It is better to keep the root and avoid root canal if it is not necessary. And, please, do not be embarrassed to ask your dentist any questions - it's your health! I had a dentist once who used to frown upon me every time I asked him a question. As if he was Zeus condescending to talk to a mortal. Needless to say, I changed the dentist. The dentist I see now always answer my questions and helps me to make an informed decision.