If you have recently had a root canal or are planning to get one, you may wonder: how long does a root canal last without a crown?
The short answer is: not long enough to take the risk.
A root canal can save your tooth from being pulled out, but skipping the crown afterward can lead to cracks, infections, or even losing the tooth completely.
At Junction Family Dental Care in Toronto, Ontario, we remind our patients that the crown is crucial for protecting and strengthening the treated tooth over time.
In this article, we will explain how long a root canal lasts without a crown, and what happens if you delay getting one.
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth.
After cleaning and sealing the canals, the tooth becomes hollow and weaker.
Without the inner tissue and nerve, the tooth weakens over time, similar to a tree that has lost its core.
To learn more about this treatment, go to our full guide: How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Canada?
A tooth that has had a root canal but does not have a crown may only last 6 months to 1 year before it starts to get damaged.
Here’s why:
If the tooth is in the back of your mouth, where chewing pressure is higher, you should get a crown as soon as you can, ideally within 1 to 2 weeks after the root canal.
A dental crown is like a helmet for your tooth.
It strengthens the tooth and helps prevent it from breaking.
But here’s what a dental crown does in more detail:
Interested in discovering more about crowns? Take a look at our related article: What are Dental Crowns?
If you don’t place a crown after your root canal, you could face several problems:
1. Fracture risk, as even a small amount of pressure can cause the tooth to crack.
2. Reinfection because bacteria can enter, leading to the need for retreatment or extraction.
3. Tooth loss. If the tooth breaks beyond repair, you may need a dental implant or bridge to replace it.
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A tooth that has had a root canal can last 10 to 20 years or even longer if it is covered with a crown and cared for properly.
Good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups every six months, is essential for keeping the tooth healthy.
If you had a root canal and haven’t put on your crown yet, contact your dentist right away if you notice:
Don’t wait until it breaks; book your crown appointment today.
A root canal may last about 6 months to 1 year without a crown, but this isn't recommended.
The tooth will be weak and can easily break.
Yes, many modern clinics, like Junction Family Dental Care, can do root canals and crowns in one visit.
At first, yes, but skipping the crown can cost you more in the long run.
You can go to Junction Family Dental Care, located at 1 St. John’s Rd., Suite 101, Toronto ON M6P 1T7.
A root canal can save your tooth, but it needs a crown to be effective.
Without a crown, your tooth might only last a few months before it cracks or gets infected again.
For gentle care and lasting results, book your appointment today.
