I recently had a root canal on an upper back molar tooth #15. After going back to my dentist to get a crown, he examined me and said I needed crown lengthening procedure. Even though it sounds like a routine procedure, it is surgery, which I am very uncomfortable doing. I trust my dentist, but since I am uncomfortable, I went to get a second opinion. The second dentist (which I trust as well) said I don't need crown lengthening as there is enough tooth structure to support a metal crown (but not porcelain). Does anyone have this experience and what are my risks if I don't do the crown lengthening procedure? Is there a way for me to measure myself to see if I need it?

Funny, as I just searched for this after the fact. I just had a crown lengthening done on your same tooth (molar, #15), after doing a root canal and post & core previously. After a day, the pain has been manageable with ibuprofen and I've been able to eat foods lightly chewing with the other side of my mouth. As far as risks without, the one that was mentioned to me was that it was essential to have enough space, otherwise down the line years from now I might have issues with the metal crown. This was done at Tufts Dental School, FWIW.

Hw much did it cost you at tufts? I have to have this procedure one there in the upcoming weeks?