Crown sans root canal

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Mr. Goodbar - 03 Oct 2005 07:43 GMT

Hi Folks

I am looking for some advice regarding the prospect of having a crown
put in without a root canal.

During a recent checkup, my dentist noticed a back tooth with,
apparently, a cracked filling and some decay beneath. (The tooth is
not bothering me.) Because of the size the filling (more than 50% of
tooth) he recommended a crown instead of a new filling with the logic
that a new filling that large would make the tooth weak and susceptible
to breaking. He said I will probably not need a root canal. (Does this
sound right?)

I have heard mixed advice from people regarding the wisdom of doing
this. In fact, I already have had the experience of a crowned tooth
that required a root canal (and subsequent new crown.) It was
unpleasant and expensive. On the other hand, I don't want to have an
unnecessary root canal. What should I do?

Thanks

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dr shad j lewis (via google) - 03 Oct 2005 13:37 GMT

Nothing, this dentist did what I would have done, too. I don't believe
in prophylatic root canals - I only have them done when absolutely
needed because they're pretty invasive.

Most of the time, teeth that are crowned don't need root canals.
Sometimes they do.

I wouldn't worry about it. You seem to be in good hands.

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Tony Bad - 03 Oct 2005 16:23 GMT

> What should I do?
>
> Thanks

Option A: Trust your dentist's recommendation. As someone else alreday
wrote, some teeth will need root canal, some do not.

Option B: Get a second opion if you have lingering doubts. I understand your
concerns, as the cost of a crown + root canal + new crown is quite
steep...but cost of crown + root canal is also steep, especially if all you
need is crown.

Good luck

T

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Vaughn - 03 Oct 2005 22:45 GMT

> I have heard mixed advice from people regarding the wisdom of doing
> this. In fact, I already have had the experience of a crowned tooth
> that required a root canal (and subsequent new crown.) It was
> unpleasant and expensive.

You will get different opinions from different dentists (perhaps some here
will comment), but a new crown is not always needed after a root canal.

1) It is sometimes possible to remove a crown without damage (I understand that
there are special tools to do that trick). and...

2) It is at least sometimes possible to do the root canal through the top of the
crown and then repair the crown with a permanent filling.

Vaughn (just a humble dental consumer)

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