What Is an Endocrown?
An endocrown is a special dental restoration used to protect root canal-treated teeth that have lost much of their structure. For suitable teeth it can be an ideal choice after root canal treatment; you can think of it as an option between a filling and a traditional crown.
In a traditional approach, a support (post) is placed inside the tooth and a crown is made on top. In an endocrown, the support and the crown are made as one piece. This piece fits into the inner part of the tooth and is fixed in place with a special adhesive. It does not go down into the root canals, so nothing extra is done that could weaken the root. It is usually made from strong, porcelain-like ceramic using computer-aided systems.
Why Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Become Weak?
When decay, an old filling or a fracture has taken away most of the tooth, the walls left after root canal treatment are thin and can break while chewing. Simply filling such a tooth is often not enough; a strong restoration that can take the chewing load is needed. An endocrown is one of the methods used for this.
Who Can Have an Endocrown?
Endocrowns are mostly used on back teeth (molars). They come to mind especially for:
- Root canal-treated molars that have lost a large part of their structure
- Teeth with short, thin or curved roots, where placing a support inside is difficult
- Teeth with too little space between them and the opposing tooth
Whether it suits you is decided by your dentist after an exam and X-ray. How much of the tooth remains, where it sits relative to the gum and whether you grind your teeth all affect this decision.
When May It Not Be Suitable?
- The tooth is broken down well below the gum line
- The root has a crack or fracture
- There is not enough of the inner part of the tooth for bonding
- Severe teeth grinding or clenching that cannot be controlled
In these cases your dentist may suggest another solution, such as a traditional crown. Information on the long-term results of endocrowns is still limited, so each tooth is assessed individually.
Filling vs Endocrown vs Traditional Crown
| Filling | Endocrown | Crown with a post | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is done? | The missing part is filled | Support and crown made as one piece | A post goes in the canal, a crown goes on top |
| Work inside the root canal | None | None | Needed |
| Usually used for | Moderate loss | Root canal-treated molars with large loss | Front teeth and badly broken-down teeth |
What Happens During Treatment?
- Exam and X-ray: We check whether your tooth is suitable for an endocrown.
- Preparing the tooth: The tooth is prepared under local anaesthesia.
- Impression and fabrication: An impression of your tooth is taken and the restoration is made specially for it.
- Fitting: The restoration is bonded to the tooth and your bite is checked.
A root canal-treated tooth usually does not hurt. You may feel mild chewing sensitivity for a few days after fitting.
How Long Does an Endocrown Last?
It depends on the condition of your tooth, your oral hygiene, whether you grind your teeth and how regularly you have check-ups. If you clench or grind, a night guard and a check-up every six months help the restoration last. It would not be right to promise a fixed lifespan; your dentist will explain what to expect after your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endocrown?
A dental restoration for root canal-treated teeth that have lost much of their structure, where the support and the crown are made as one piece.
Can every root canal-treated tooth have an endocrown?
No. How much tooth remains, its position relative to the gum and your bite decide this, based on an exam and X-ray.
Can front teeth have an endocrown?
Endocrowns are mainly used on back teeth. For front teeth, other restorations are usually chosen.
Is getting an endocrown painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, and a root canal-treated tooth generally does not hurt. Mild sensitivity may last a few days afterwards.
What should I do after getting an endocrown?
Brush and floss regularly, avoid biting hard objects, use a night guard if you grind your teeth, and attend regular check-ups.
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If you would like a second opinion before deciding on extraction, see our treatments page or contact us. You may also like our root canal guide and our article on tooth decay and fillings. Learn more about the author, Dr. Dt. Büşra Kaya, on her profile page.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment.