Do You Need to Get Root Canal and Crown at the Same Dental Office?

Is it necessary to have root canal treatment and crown placement done at the same dental clinic?

Hello Doctor: My upper left 7th molar was found to be loose during a dental examination by Dr.
A, who then refilled it.
A few days later, the filling came out.
I thought it was the 5th tooth that cracked a corner due to not having a crown after root canal treatment, so I went to another clinic.
Dr.
B informed me that it was actually the recently filled 7th tooth, and due to health insurance regulations, I needed to return to the original clinic, Dr.
A, for the filling, which was temporarily filled with provisional material.
Later, when I returned to the original clinic, Dr.
A said that the pulp of the 7th tooth was exposed and required root canal treatment followed by a crown, so he only applied medication for now.
My questions are: 1.
Is root canal treatment absolutely necessary for this tooth? Are there other treatment options? 2.
After root canal treatment, is it mandatory to have a crown? Is it possible to just fill the tooth? 3.
If I want to get a crown at Dr.
B's clinic, do I have to have the root canal treatment done there as well? Or should I first have the root canal treatment at Dr.
A's, get it filled, and then go to Dr.
B for the crown later? How long should I wait before getting the crown? I'm currently unsure of the best course of action.
Thank you for your assistance!

lanse, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/27

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Blue,
Hello! Root canal treatment is performed when a tooth has a large cavity that causes discomfort.
Each dentist will carry out this procedure.
As for where to get the dental crown, you have the right to make that decision! If you have any concerns, you can go to a medical center, as they have specialized dentists available.
Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Director of Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/11/27

More Info

When it comes to dental procedures such as root canal treatment and crowns, it's important to understand the processes involved and the potential need for these treatments. Based on your situation, let's address your questions one by one.

1. Is root canal treatment necessary for this tooth? Are there other treatment options?
Root canal treatment is typically required when the pulp of the tooth (the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or damaged. In your case, since the pulp is exposed, it indicates that the tooth is at risk of further infection, which can lead to pain and potential tooth loss. While there are alternative treatments, such as extraction, they may not be ideal if you wish to retain the tooth. Therefore, root canal treatment is likely the best option to save the tooth and prevent further complications.

2. Is a crown necessary after root canal treatment? Can I just fill the tooth?
After a root canal, a crown is generally recommended. This is because the tooth structure is often weakened after the procedure, making it more susceptible to fractures. A crown provides the necessary support and protection to the tooth, ensuring its longevity. While it might be tempting to simply fill the tooth, this could lead to future issues, including fractures or reinfection. Therefore, it is advisable to follow through with the crown after the root canal.

3. If I want to get the crown at a different dental office (B), do I need to have the root canal done there as well? Should I have the root canal done at A first, then go to B for the crown? How long should I wait?
You can have the root canal treatment done at dental office A and then go to office B for the crown. It is not mandatory to have both procedures done at the same location. However, it is crucial to ensure that the dentist at office B is aware of the root canal treatment and has all the necessary information regarding the tooth's condition. After the root canal, it is generally recommended to wait a few weeks for the tooth to settle before placing the crown, but this can vary based on your specific situation and the dentist's recommendations. Always consult with both dentists to determine the best timeline for your case.

In summary, it is essential to address the root canal treatment promptly to prevent further complications. A crown is highly recommended after the procedure to protect the tooth. You have the flexibility to choose where to have each procedure done, but communication between the dental offices is key to ensuring a smooth process. Always prioritize your dental health and follow the advice of your dental professionals.

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