Medically Reviewed by Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (BDS, MDS - Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics)

A root canal saves the tooth, but the tooth still needs protection afterwards. At The Smile Makers Dental Clinic in Khar West, Mumbai, Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist) explains why a crown is usually advised and what to choose.

Why a crown after a root canal?

A tooth that has had a root canal loses its blood supply and becomes drier and more brittle over time. This raises the risk of the tooth fracturing, especially back teeth that take heavy chewing force. A crown covers and holds the tooth together, and a sealed crown also helps keep bacteria out.

Which crown material?

Dr. Mohit Bodhwani (Endodontist) usually recommends zirconia, which is metal-free, over metal-fused ceramic. One practical reason: metal can scatter on MRI scans, which zirconia avoids. Your dentist will advise what suits the tooth and your bite. See our crowns page for more.

How soon should the crown be placed?

As soon as the tooth has settled and the permanent filling is done. Until then, avoid chewing hard food on that side. The longer a treated tooth stays without a crown, the higher the risk of a crack.

What if the crown comes off?

• Do not panic. This is common and usually easy to fix.
• Keep the crown in a clean, empty box. Do not wrap it in newspaper or put it in water.
• If the tooth hurts, take a suitable painkiller as advised by your dentist.
• Visit us so the crown can be re-cemented.

With regular check-ups and a well-sealed crown, a root canal treated tooth can last 7 to 10 years or more in our experience. We also use digital design for crowns, which you can read about in our digital design post.

Every mouth is different, so timing and outcome vary. What we share here is based on our clinical experience, not a guarantee.

To book a visit, call +91 98190 39311 or message us on WhatsApp. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and closed on Sunday. You can also see our work in the Smile Gallery.