- What are my options if I am missing a tooth?
Broadly speaking there are four options:
- Leave the gap
- Wear a denture
- Have a ‘bridge’ made
- Use an implant to replace the missing tooth/teeth
Each option has its positives and negatives. The important thing is to assess each missing tooth in its own right along with the patient to determine what is the best option for them.
- Do I have to have a root canal treatment before I have a crown?
No it is not necessary to have a root canal treatment on a tooth before it is crowned. If “the pulp” which is in the root canal space is alive and well then a crown can be made as required. If the pulp is not alive a root canal is required before a crown. Sometimes if the tooth is so badly damaged that the pulp is likely to lose its vitality then the decision may be made to do the root canal treatment before the crown rather than risk the pulp developing problems later.
- If I have a root canal treatment does that mean I have to have a crown?
Not necessarily if a root canal has been carried out on a front tooth or a back tooth that doesn’t bite against anything a crown might not be necessary. However if a root canal treatment has been carried out on a back tooth it is six times more likely to crack than an untouched tooth and so a crown is strongly recommended.
