Should I get a crown on my root canal treatment?

KaratePigeon

Hi, I know we have a few dentists on here so thought it was worth asking. I had a root canal treatment done on one of my molars, about 2 years ago. It was done on the NHS, maybe not particularly well.

Anyway, I don't get any major problems with it but it does tend to start aching every few weeks, which stops after a few days. Had my check up with a new dentist this week and she suggested putting a crown on it. Had an x-ray and she said it was quite a good treatment but there still is a low level on infection under the tooth so it might or might not be a good idea to have the crown.

The thing is, I'm very aware of how much this would cost me, and I wouldn't be able to afford it. I have however got an 11 month old baby, so if I have it done now it'd be free on the NHS. So I did say I'd have it done, assuming it needs doing - but now I'm having second thoughts as I'm worried that the infection will get worse (like there will be nowhere for it to escape to if it's sealed with a crown?) Would appreciate any advice.

iammumtoone

I have just had root canal treatment on the NHS. When the dentist discussed my options he said I would have to have a crown fitted afterwards if I decided on the root canal, it is news to me that it can be done without a crown, I didn't know I could save myself the £260 for the crown!

aggypanthus

They would ensure the infection has cleared first!common sense surely?

KaratePigeon

I don't know, she seemed to be leaving the decision up to me

1jim

It seems things have changed, maybe 20 years ago I had a few root canals treated, they didn't use crowns or suggest them. One of the teeth affected has since broken, the dentist (new dentist as I had moved) said they always cover with a crown now to stop that happening.

One of the dentists on here should be able to offer advice though

Alias_Omega

Root canal, eventually the tooth around it died. Went for a gold crown.

dandelionclock30

They need to retreat the tooth and get rid of the infection before they do any crown. They can redo a root canal totally and give you antibiotics.Dont let them just give you antibiotics as the infection will be coming from the tooth more than likley.
I'd be looking at this first then after it settled down and root canals can take ages,I would the then have a crown.
I've had a root canal redone, I've got 2 with crowns and a front tooth without. The thing is they sometimes leave a tooth without a crown and do it later on when the root canal has settled. Teeth when dead eventually become brittle as are prone to breaking.Thats why they are crowned.

usignuolo

Mmm I recently broke a front tooth and went to the dentist to discuss options. After examining me he said my gums and bones were good there and he proposed a root canal on the tooth followed by a crown.

recovering_spendaholic

I had a root canal and got the same low level infection thing - antibiotics didn't do much and I ended up with a horridly painful abscess. I had the tooth out and wish Id had that done in the first place!

KaratePigeon

Yeah, I think if it starts giving me a lot of pain again I'd get it pulled out, whether it had a crown or not. I did have a molar on the other side removed though so the dentist is keen to keep the rest of them so I can still chew! still can't decide what to do

hp3

I've had loads of problems with my teeth and probably had just about every bit of dental work there is to be done on mine. I have 6 teeth that have had root canal fillings on and then crowns. I have only ever had one infection and that was the root canal filling its self, the dentist couldn't get to the bottom of the canal and it ended up getting infected. Other than that I have had no problems so far.