Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Quick answer
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Usually yes for back teeth, often no for front teeth.
Molars and premolars take heavy biting forces, and a root-treated back tooth is more likely to crack without a crown or a similar protective restoration over it. Front teeth with plenty of healthy structure left can often be restored with a filling. At York House Dental Practice in West Byfleet, crowns start from £795 and we will explain the reason for the recommendation on your tooth.
What you need to know
Root canal treatment does not make a tooth brittle by itself — the problem is how much tooth was already lost to decay, old fillings and access to the canals. The less tooth left, the more it needs covering.
Leaving a back tooth without a crown for a long time is a common reason it splits. A split below the gum line often means the tooth cannot be saved, so the crown is part of protecting the money already spent on the root canal.
If a crown is not affordable straight away, ask about temporary protection and 0% finance. See dental crowns and how long crowns last.
Last reviewed: by Dr Kaveet Patel, Principal Dentist
