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Crown or Filling After Root Canal Treatment?

Today, we’ll cover an important topic: why it’s essential to cover molars with a crown after root canal treatment (removal of the tooth nerve).   On a daily basis, the enamel of molar teeth withstands pressures between 15 to 70 kg without breaking. The tooth’s vascular and nerve bundle nourishes it, enabling it to handle chewing pressure and function effectively.

What Happens to the Tooth After Nerve Removal?
Statistics show that over 90% of treated teeth continue to function well after root canal therapy. When root canal treatment is done correctly and followed by proper restoration, the tooth can last for decades. During endodontic treatment, the tooth’s nerve and blood supply are removed, weakening the tooth structure. This makes the tooth more susceptible to decay, cracks, and chips, which spread faster than in a vital tooth. So, what can you do to prevent complications? To avoid possible issues like fractures, chips, or cracks—which could lead to tooth extraction—it's recommended to:
  • Restore the tooth with an inlay within 2 weeks after root canal treatment, or
  • Cover the tooth with a permanent crown within one month after filling the root canals.
These steps will:
  • Provide a secure seal for the root canals,
  • Prevent reinfection,
  • Strengthen weakened tooth walls,
  • Fully restore the tooth’s shape and overall chewing function.