Necessity of Crown Restoration After Endodontic Treatment

1. Necessity of Crown Restoration After Endodontic Treatment

After endodontic treatment (root canal treatment), crown restoration is an in complete treatment, not an optional one:

1.Small defect: Resin filling is applicable;

2.Large defect/functional teeth (e.g., mandibular first molars, the main occlusal teeth): Crown or onlay restoration is mandatory;

3.Key reminder: Dentists must clearly inform patients of the risks of no restoration (e.g., tooth fracture), and cases of refusal to 

restore should be documented.

2. Key Changes of Teeth After Endodontic Treatment

1. Loss of hard tooth tissue due to caries and cavity preparation during treatment, decreased water content, and reduced fracture resistance;

2. Irrigants used in treatment (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) alter dentin structure, affecting restoration adhesion;

3. Possible yellowing due to residual pigments or translucency of root filling materials;

4. Lack of restorative protection easily leads to reinfection of the root canal.

3. Core Purposes of Restoration and Treatment Option Selection

1. Prevent fracture, prevent reinfection, and restore morphology and function.

2. Amount of remaining tooth structure - resin filling for small defects; post-core + crown restoration for residual crowns/roots.

4. Content Summary

1.  If filling falls off and gutta-percha is exposed for more than 1 month due to delayed restoration, retreatment may be required according to literature;

2. It should not only disperse occlusal force to protect the tooth but also achieve tight sealing to prevent leakage;

3. Focus on "infection control" (three-dimensional sealing) and "mechanical protection" (restoring bearing capacity).