| Teeth
which have undergone root canal therapy will need to be restored to full function. In a root canal procedure,
the canals are cleaned and then sealed. In order to
maintain this seal, and prevent future infection, it
is important to restore the tooth. Also, endodontically
treated teeth are susceptible to fracture, and this
fracture could lead to a loss of the tooth.
Restorations range from a composite filling to a full
crown, depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining.
Anterior teeth which have most of their structure
remaining
can be restored with a composite filling. If a large
portion of their structure is missing, then crowns are
warranted.
Posterior teeth following root canal therapy, due to
the forces which they bear, are not often restored with
composite fillings. They are usually restored with full
crowns, covering and supporting the entire tooth, as
well as maintaining the occlusion.
Prior to placement of the crown, a core is usually placed
into the tooth. This core provides the tooth with resistance,
retention, and restores form to the tooth so that a
crown may be fabricated. In cases where there is a large
amount of tooth structure compromised, and the core
material would not be supported by tooth structure,
then a post extending into one or more canals of the
tooth will be cemented. This post will act to retain
the core. The post will not extend the length of the
canal, therefore the canal will remained sealed. The
restored tooth will now be sealed, and returned to function.
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