Hi all:

I need to have a root canal on tooth #26 that chipped back about 6 years ago. The nerve is finally becoming an issue, i.e. some pain now.

Anyway, the tooth only has a bit of the inner wall enamal missing and causes me no issues except for the pain as of recent.

My dentist has suggested the root canal but also a post and a crown. Do I need the post and crown or can the dentist plug the tooth after the root canal and just leave the tooth as it is.

I see no reason to post and crown this tooth if it is doing its job and is mostly whole.

Any advice appreciated...

MARK

Hey Mark, you're a smart one, If there is no enamal, then there will eventually be decay and decay means good bye tooth That tooth you use a lot.

So, go with the pin retained filling and crown. Ouch, ouch and ouch.

I've had a pin retained filling. Had crowns. Had a root canal. Failed, Had bridge. Failed. Have implant. Love I t.

Want to save a few bucks. Go to a dental school nearby.

Root canal will take one visit (probably roots) and a temporary filling, then wait.

There will be a build up phase w/pin and tempory crown

Wait until crown comes back from Lab.

Cement. Done.

Happens if your lucky.

A tooth that has had a root canal becomes dry and brittle. It has a higher risk of fracturing. When a tooth that has had a root canal fractures it will generally fracture right in to the root. A crown is suggested to add strength to the tooth. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth it is a good idea to have a crown placed. Also, remember, that tooth #26 is one that you use to bite with, it gets a lot of use.

It's not always necessary to have a post placed. Actually, I don't think I have seen posts used for a few years now. You may want to have a second opinion regarding the post.