If you've recently had a root canal treatment or you're planning to have one, you may be wondering, "Do I need a crown right away or can I wait?"

The short answer is: it depends, but delaying too long could put your tooth at risk. Let's dig into the details.

Why Teeth Need Root Canal Treatments

Teeth that require root canal treatments are usually in a severely compromised state, which can be a result of:

The root canal procedure entails:

  • Drilling into the tooth to access the nerve

  • Cleaning, disinfecting, and filling the root canal

Despite being critical for saving the tooth, the root canal procedure unfortunately weakens the tooth even further.

The Role of a Crown in a Root Canal Treatment

After a root canal, it's common to place a dental crown over the tooth.

Why?

Crowns are like a protective shield that helps stabilize and strengthen the tooth. They also restore the tooth's appearance and function. The crown helps ensure that the time, effort, and expense you invested in the root canal treatment isn't wasted.

When Does a Tooth Not Need a Crown After Root Canal?

There are some exceptions to the “rule” that every tooth needs a crown after getting a root canal. For example, lower front teeth with minimal damage and a conservative root canal access might be satisfactorily repaired using a filling instead of a crown.

However, almost every back tooth (molar or premolar), as well as front teeth with damage, will need a crown following the root canal therapy.

How Long Can You Wait to Get a Crown?

While there's no absolute 'time limit' for placing a crown after a root canal, waiting too long can be risky.

Until a crown is placed, a root canal treated tooth is vulnerable. It's at a higher risk of breaking or chipping, especially when eating hard or sticky foods.

The fear here isn't just about potential discomfort or damage. The real concern is that if the tooth breaks or chips in a way that makes it unsalvageable, all the effort put into the root canal treatment could be wasted.

If you are unable to complete the crown in a timely fashion, be certain to avoid hard and sticky foods until the permanent crown is placed on the tooth. In fact, it would usually be better to avoid chewing with that side of the mouth, altogether.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best time to get a crown is immediately following a root canal (within days or weeks). It's best to consult with your dentist to make the best decision for your oral health.

Nevertheless, the general rule of thumb is not to delay it unnecessarily. It's far better to invest in a crown and protect your tooth than risk losing it entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crown always necessary after a root canal?

While there are rare exceptions, in most cases, a dental crown is strongly recommended after a root canal. The crown acts as a protective cover, helping to prevent the treated tooth from breaking or chipping.

What happens if I don't get a crown after a root canal?

Without a crown, a tooth that's undergone a root canal treatment is weakened and more susceptible to damage. If the tooth breaks beyond repair, the root canal treatment might have been for nothing.

Can I eat normally after a root canal?

After a root canal, it's recommended to avoid hard and sticky foods until a crown is placed over the tooth. This helps to reduce the risk of breaking or chipping the treated tooth. For further discussion of the do’s and don’ts after a root canal, see here.

What should I do if my tooth breaks before I get a crown?

If your tooth breaks before you get a crown, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. They will assess the damage and discuss the best course of action, which may include a new crown, a filling, or, in severe cases, extraction.

Is it possible to save a severely damaged tooth after a root canal?

It can be challenging to save a severely damaged tooth even after a root canal. However, each case is unique. Your dentist will consider various factors, including the tooth's location, the extent of the damage, and your overall oral health, before deciding on the best treatment.

* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.