Always – No. In instances when a large amount of tooth structure is lost due to decay, then yes the tooth should be protected with an onlay or a crown (generically referred to as a "cap"). If the tooth has an excessively large filling with evidence of fracture lines in the remaining natural tooth structure, and is in a stress bearing area of the mouth, that too is an indication for a crown or onlay.

Root canal therapy consist of removing the nerve, vein and artery from the root canal system of the tooth. Removing the blood supply from the tooth causes the tooth to become dehydrated. Over time this leaves the tooth brittle and susceptible to fracture and may result in tooth loss. Crowning a tooth following root canal therapy is considered standard of care.

No. While most teeth which have had root canal treatments do need crowns to strengthen the teeth and to return the teeth to normal form and function, not every tooth needing a crown also needs to have a root canal.

Root canals like all other dental procedures are performed for specific reasons. Reasons for doing root canals can be infections, fractures or broken teeth, etc. In some instances when a tooth becomes infected the nerve in the tooth may die preventing the tooth from hurting. Even though the tooth may not hurt the infection can get worse and cause very serious problems such as erosion of bone around the root tip and may even spread to other teeth.

Because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall-out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite.

Almost all root canaled teeth require a crown due to the brittle tooth condition resulting from the pulp removal. Properly treated and restored endodontic teeth are among the highest predictable procedure in dentistry.

No, root canals are not required prior to crowns; but if necessary, can be done after the crown is cemented.

In many cases crowns prevent the need for root canal therapy. However, if the decay or fracture was extensive the nerve can die at any time. Root canals are sometimes necessary after crowns are completed.

Generally that is true, but not always. Ask your regular dentist for his or her recommendation. If you cannot afford a crown immediately after a root canal, the crown can be delayed until finances allow. Thus, the tooth can still be saved.

Preparing and placing a crown will require two visits with Dr. Wooten. During the first, Dr. Wooten will prepare the tooth for the crown placement, find your perfect shade, and fit a temporary crown. After one to three weeks, you will return for the permanent placement of the crown.

No. Some teeth have roots so crooked or canals so narrow that the dentist cannot get his or her instruments to the tip of the root. If the nerve cannot be removed completely, the remaining tissue usually dies and becomes nutriment for bacteria and a subsequent abscess. Fortunately, this is seldom a problem.

Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth's nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.

Your body has a great immune system and it wants to keep you healthy. When bacteria enter the pulp through gateways created by decay, trauma, repeated restorative procedures and cracks, the dental pulp comprised of blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue and a material called ground substance, can become irreversibly damaged. Your body sends in white blood cells and other elements of the immune system to fight off this bacterial invasion.

When a tooth dies on the inside where the nerve is, it becomes an area that is ripe for infection. If left alone, the tooth will become infected and pressure will build up causing a toothache. It is very difficult to treat the inside of a tooth like a regular infection, because blood carrying antibiotics cannot reach inside the tooth to help kill the bacteria.

A tooth consists of outer hard layers and an inner chamber which contains the pulp. The pulp is composed of nerve and blood vessels. The pulp is subject to trauma and infection due to many causes. A cavity can introduce bacteria into the pulp. A sharp blow to a tooth or biting on a hard object can injure the pulp. A deep filling to restore a deep cavity can injure the pulp. When a pulp is injured, it causes a great deal of pain, and can cause the pulp to die.