Root Canal Before a Crown?

Question

I have a molar that has deep fillings and there is decay happening with that tooth again. I have been given two options:

Refill the tooth
Get a crown

I am wondering, will I need a root canal before getting the crown? The filling is deep, so I am worried that the tooth will become ultra sensitive after being pared down for the crown and will go nuts.

Also, is the crown a better option than the filling? I just had my 4 impacted wisdom teeth out 3 weeks ago and am not sure how long I should wait before getting the crown - but my insurance runs out at the end of March.

Thoughts please?

Answer 1

Yep.. u better head for a Root Canal. As you say the tooth is already filled deep, and still carious. I would suspect that the carious lesion is extending not just on the surface but also on the dentinal borders. It might not be very far from the pulpal structure. However, only a radiograph would be able to explain the best. Ask your dentist for an IntraOral PeriApical view

Going for an RCT would make sure that the tooth becomes non-vital and hence very minute chances of it going for internal trouble. Hence my suggestion, go for the RCT!

Coming to the question of crown/filling..
I suspect that a large lesion exists in the tooth. A well done Composite resin light cure filling would do excellently well after the RCT, in all aspects except for the fact that being a large lesion, its strength and hnce life would reduce.

In such situations, going in for a crown would be a better option.
You can choose between an Inceram or a metal ceramic crown, both of which give excellent results with long life span.

Final verdict:

RCT + Ceramic Crown for best & long lasting results.

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3 weeks is a long period after a wisdom tooth extraction. Preliminary healing process in normal patients is complete by the 2nd week post-op. You can go right ahead now itself!

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Take a print of this text and show it to your dentist!

Answer 2

It is evidence of a greedy appetite. There is no need to do a root canal before a crown is put on because if a problem develops later it is possible to tap the crown off and do the root canal then. The crown DOES NOT have to be destroyed to get it off to do the root canal. I had exactly this problem once and it was a non-issue. It's easier to do a root canal on a tooth that has had a crown because you are that much closer to the source of the problem once the crown comes off. A dentist who wants to do a root canal when a crown is made would be like an auto mechanic who wants to get the car painted when it is in for a tune up.

Answer 3

If I were you I'd get the crown. Especially if your insurance will cover it. You'd have less problems in the future. The dentist would be able to tell you if a root canal is necessary or not. I've had both things done, and the one with the root canal and crown is holding up much better than the one that was just simply refilled. Refilling the tooth would just be a temporary quick fix, and you would eventually need the crown later. I found this out the hard way, and was told just recently that I need the crown ASAP but my insurance won't cover it. So, get it done before your insurance runs out. Crowns are very expensive, and with a root canal it could set you back over $2,500 (depending on where you live).

Answer 4

Yes, absolutely. I have had 4 root canals w/crowns. First they drill & file out the nerves & blood vessels deep in the root of the tooth, down to the bone. No pain after that. Then they fill each hole (4 holes for a molar) with rubber. Then they install a temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one to get back from the lab. This only takes 2-3 weeks. Then they remove the temporary one & put on the real one. Just make sure they give you Nitrous Oxide & Novocaine while they drill & file.

Answer 5

Get the crown before too much of the tooth is compromised.
I have two crowns and no root canals and I'm doing fine.