DrDad’s answer: Think of it this way: a tooth isn’t a picture hanging on a wall. It has to function every day.
After a root canal, I don’t only ask whether the inside of the tooth was successfully treated. I look at how much tooth structure remains and what forces that tooth has to withstand. This matters especially for back teeth that take substantial chewing force. If the tooth is structurally compromised, protecting it with a crown may make sense.
What I Would Ask Your Dentist
How much healthy tooth is left, and what are you worried could happen if we don’t crown it?
DrDad Tips
A successful root canal solves one problem. The tooth still has to survive years of biting and chewing afterward. Ask about the long-term structural plan.
Educational information only. The appropriate restoration after root canal treatment depends on the individual tooth and clinical findings.