Crown for root canal??

Question

I had my first root canal worked on yesterday. The dentist wants me to come back in to have a crown put on the tooth when I am ready. My question is, do you have to get the crown put on, or will the filling be alright with out it? The reason I ask is because I've been told that the crown is pretty expensive, and my insurance is already almost maxed out for the year because of the work I've been having done. If I don't have to have the crown put on I would rather not, but if the tooth is going to be damaged further without the crown, then I will suck it up and get it done. I am frustrated with dental work at the moment because I do everything I am supposed to to take care of my teeth, yet I still have problems! Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I've had two crowns, and I can say that you need the crown to protect that tooth.

The crown is made of material sturdier than a tooth, so this aspect alone is worth it.  Yes, it's an expense you don't want to have to make, but think of what you're protecting.  You'll be looking at your face and using those teeth for a long time, so protect them.

If your dentist doesn't have a payment plan, ask him/her anyway.  You never know...you may be surprised what they'll accept (especially with today's economy.)

Oh and the part about why are you having dental issues when you take good care of your teeth already?

Well there can be many factors to that.

1) One main reason could be the actual shape of your teeth.  One of my kids has problems getting cavities and the dentist told us it's B/C her teeth have deep grooves.

So even though we scrub and use dental rinses, we apparently can't reach all the gunk that causes cavities over time.  Therefore, we've had to get more fillings done.

2) Could have something to do with the foods you eat.  Stickier and harder food will cause more problems, especially over time.  And even fruit juices, that are healthier for you in many ways, can cause tooth decay due to the sugar they contain.

Hope that helps you decide.  Good luck with it!

Answer 2

Your tooth is going to break without a crown then your going to be mad because you have wasted money and now the tooth is going to have to be extracted. Your back molars do all the work when you are eating food. Years of neglect can't be fixed over night. If you get all your work done on your teeth why should it bother you that your insurance is maxed out? Your teeth will last you until next years renewal.

Answer 3

Depends on the tooth and the extent of the damage. Rear teeth almost always require a crown. Front teeth with minimal damage may not need one. Part of the problem is the number of root that the tooth has. With 2 or 3 roots, the tooth is likely to fracture.

Answer 4

Yes you do need a crown because if not having this it will cause pain from the impact of chewing to even brushing your teeth. Yes it is expensive but you need to do it. I was going through the same problem recently and just for laughs I thought I was chewing on a almond when I was eating some and come to find out it was part of my tooth that had broken off. I went to the dentist the next day, they remove the old filling and took a molding impression of it for the crown. All for one tooth ran about 1200.00. So I do know where you coming from. For peace of mind sake I would have it done just to know its ok but if you have it pull your teeth will shift. It's up to you, you are the one that's coming out of pocket, no one really can make you do it.

Answer 5

Crowns are necessary because after a root canal the tooth is brittle and more likely to break. I have had many patients have a tooth break to the gumline and end up needing it extracted due to the severity of the break.

Once a root canal is performed you take away the blood supply and nerve to the tooth.

Personally I suggest discussing the insurance problem with the front desk personel of your dental office.

PS: please remember to keep the crown clean (floss and brush) people are always surprised to hear that you can get a cavity under a crown. The truth is that under the crown is still tooth (root and a portion of the real tooth under the crown) and it still can get decay. So floss floss floss :)